w210 fading LCD lights at instrument cluster - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dubadaddy · #1 03-18-2010, 11:01 AM

I have a '97 W210 that has some issues with the fading of a couple of the numbers in the instument cluster. How would I get the cluster out?

Is this a part that can be replaced or do you have get a new cluster?

Is this a DIY situation. Where would I get the info to help me? Alldatadiy.com?

Thanks for any help in advance.

RichardM98 · #2 03-18-2010, 11:36 AM

I can't be certain from your description but there are small bulbs on the back of the instrument cluster which illuminate the display. When one of these burns out (fairly common) owners report the display to be dim on one side or both. If that sounds like what you see then the fix is fairly easy. The instrument clusters in these cars also experience dead pixels. That is one or more of the 'dots' which make up a letter/number in the display go out while those close by are still lite fine. That is more serious although there are fixes worth trying.

Assuming the problem is the bulbs you need to remove the cluster to gain access to the bulbs. To do so you will need a pair 'cluster hooks'. They consist of a wire with a hook bent into one end and a 'T' handle on the other. They are inserted at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions and are pulled alternately to 'wiggle' the cluster out. Some clusters come out easily and some are stuck and require more work. There are no fasteners involved although it might seem like it at first.

Do you have a power steering wheel? To remove the cluster all the way you need to move the steering wheel out and down for clearance. If you have a fixed steering wheel, you will need to remove the steering wheel (maybe). If you have tiny hands you might be able to reach behind and remove the bulb with the cluster only part way out. If the cluster is really stuck, you can remove the panel below the steering wheel and push on the back of the cluster while pulling with one of the hooks.

In addition you should disconnect the battery and have your radio code when reconnecting everything.

You can get the hooks thru a dealer. You might also get a set of the 'radio keys'. These are inserted into those two small slots at the bottom corners of the radio and climate control unit to extract them. There are bulbs on the back of the CCU as well. There are also 'tool kits' online which feature a set of hooks, radio keys and other stuff you'll never need. Not expensive from the dealer though.

Hope this will help you decide if you want to tackle the job.

dubadaddy · #3 03-18-2010, 12:41 PM

What about having to remove the speedo cable first??

RichardM98 · #4 03-18-2010, 01:21 PM

Your 97 E320 doesn't have a speedo cable. On the back of the cluster are two connectors. They are what is sometimes called a 'lever-lock' design. The grey (white) lever is pivoted upward which pulls the connector (black) away from the cluster.

dubadaddy · #5 03-18-2010, 03:14 PM

Sorry I did not clarify better, I have a E420. Is this the same procedure for the E420 that you are describing?

Should I disconnect this speedo connector to create more room for myself?

Pili380SL · #6 03-19-2010, 04:35 PM

As simple as it is, I'd go ahead and disconnect the connectors as it's difficult to see the back of the cluster without disconnecting the harness. I have the cluster out of my '95 S series right now. Also, I'd go ahead and replace all the bulbs to avoid problems in the near future.

Renntag · #7 02-12-2011, 05:40 PM

For anyone searching for cluster solutions, they might find this video helpful. This shows how to disassemble the cluster. Seems straight foward. No special tools needed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH4tkVXQ3_Y&feature=related