I never use the wire hook on the cluster thing anymore. I just take 2 screws out of the lower knee panel and stick my hand up to the back of the cluster and push it out.

Works much better.

Check your ground connections.

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1981 300D 147k
1998 VW Jetta Tdi 320k
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 141k
1979 300D 234k (sold)
1984 300D "Astor" 262k(sold)
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I love the smell of diesel smoke in my hair