w202, speedo cable ? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cil254 · #1 11-20-2003, 02:23 PM

Hi does a 94 w202 have a speedo cable or is it electronic ?
I'm thinking of pulling out the instrument cluster and I read in need to give the cable some slack. So before I go and remove the under dash or carpet, I'd like to know if it necessary on the 202.
I did a search but could not fine any specifics about the 202 for that matter. The steering column on my car does not extend and I'm not planning on removing the steering wheel.
Do I still need to disconnect the battery just for the instrument cluster removal ?

Many thanks.

'94 C220

blackmercedes · #2 11-20-2003, 02:56 PM

I'm 99% sure the W202 is an electronic speedo from day one.

Limited Edition · #3 11-20-2003, 03:07 PM

I'm 100% sure it is electronic

cil254 · #4 11-20-2003, 03:40 PM

Thanks for the answers, I guess it's safe to say it's electronic.

Do you think I'll need to remove the steering wheel ?
If yes I guess I'd also need to disconnect the battery if I don't want to end up with a bruised face right ?

Limited Edition · #5 11-20-2003, 04:15 PM

I was able to slide mine out without removing the steering wheel but it is VERY tight! There should be some sort of DIY on this forum about how to remove it. It also helps alot if you have the MB pulling hooks. They're on ebay all the time.

blackmercedes · #6 11-20-2003, 06:26 PM

Without the adjustable steering wheel, the cluster is tough to get out, but possible without removing the wheel. Just be VERY careful, as the cluster can break, and then you'll cry when you find out the replacement $$.

I now wish that I had bought the adjustable wheel just to make the cluster removal easier...

manny · #7 11-20-2003, 09:04 PM

Some time ago, I saw instructions on how to remove the cluster on a non-adjustable steering wheel.
You centre the steering wheel, pull the cluster forward as far as possible, then turn the wheel ( toward the passenger side ), complete with the cluster.
Made sense to me. The guy even had three or four pictures of the procedure.

vince · #8 11-21-2003, 08:09 AM

WARNING! When removing the cluster, DO NOT turn on the key (to free the steering lock so the cluster can be slid out) with the cluster cable connectors disconnected. Doing so will set the SRS light. The SRS light must be reset using the HHT or equivalent. To pull the cluster in my '95 C280, I place a towel on top of the steering wheel hub and push the cluster out of the dash onto the top of the steering wheel hub. Then slide the cluster inboard (towards the center of the car). I normally don't have to turn the steering wheel. If you decide to, leave the key in the ignition, but not in position 1 or 2, and that will keep the steering lock from engaging.

cil254 · #9 11-21-2003, 09:47 AM

Sorry, what is the "HHT or equivalent" ?
Tx

vince · #10 11-21-2003, 11:58 AM

HHT means "hand held tester". It is an M-B tool not widely available outside the dealer network. Independent shops, at least the better ones, have one or something equivalent that can access codes other that OBDII codes (i.e. airbag systems, HVAC, ESP, etc.). A regular OBDII code reader cannot read or reset SRS codes. Disconnecting the battery does not work either, in my experience (at least on M-B). The problem is that many folks decide to rock the steering wheel a bit to get the cluster out. If the key is turned on the free the steering lock, and usually by this point the wiring is disconnected, an error code is set for the SRS system (at least on the car referred to in this post and maybe others). That means a trip to a dealer or good independent shop to reset the code. My memory is a bit weak, but I recall Code 019 as being the code that is set.