I bought a new Instrument Cluster from the "Parts Shop" on this site. (Don't ask me why, it's a long story... and it costed $700 for a new one!) Anyway, I installed the new part, which was easy but I need to ask a question as to how to get it to work properly. With the new instruments installed, the area where the mileage should be shown has all dashes "------" flashing in it and it also doesn't display the current gear selection next to the clock like it's supposed to. That area is just blank.

My question is how to get it to work properly or is there something wrong with the part? Please let me know...

Thanks!

New inst clusters after 1997 must be programed by dealer! Info from the old cluster pulled out & reinserted into new cluster. All of this with STAR DIAGNOSIS lap-top computer.

Hmmmm.. Well, The parts shop charged me extra to have the cluster "programmed" with my mileage when I bought it. Should they have done that? Also the old one is dead. What should I do now?

Only option is going to dealer. Yes there is a programing that MB does before sending the part out, but the final program is done by dealer with old & new part!

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MERCEDES BENZ MASTER GUILD TECHNICIAN (6 TIMES)
ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN
27 YEARS DEALER M.B. Shopforeman
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA racecar

Rob, I thought we went over this in e-mail?

I know. I just wanted to ask to see if there were any alternatives. I know when I go to the dealer i'm gonna get the 1-million dollar question... "Why did you need to get that new part?" and "Why didn't you come here when there was a problem?" Also, I'm sure they will charge me to hook the car up to the "wonder computer". Maybe I'll just use it with the flashing dashes in the mileage section. It will add "character" to the car and make my wife wonder.. "Oh no, did I screw something up?" when she tries to use it. hehehe