QuestionQUESTION: Our subject is one 1987 560SEC MB with an instrument cluster that has developed a bad light rheostat and dead clock. Trip odometer reset button has failed also. Odometer is at 187,000 miles. Replacement is in hand from eBay. Now, how do I make the replacement, please? Thanks for your assistance.
ANSWER: the instrument clusters are press fit , best way is to remove lower panel to acess back of panel and push out. Sometimes you have to "release" the rubber seal around the cluster with a small very thin putty knife or similar. Take your time. Some applications require removal of steering wheel , but the SEC may not . the SL's do. You can also fabricate a hook of sorts to push into the upper front of the panel and help "hook" the panel out
IF it has not been out before, it does take some effort and force, just take your time and bring it out in a striaght line
on the back you will see several multi plugs, and the speedometer connections. Be careful to pry these off, and replace in reverse order.
Once hooked up - test it,all lamps ect before pushing it back in
let me know if you need more help
AND - disconnect battery , -shorting across plugs , grounds are very easy to do, save yourself the aggrevation
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you for the original instructions.
My follow-up concerns the mileage on the replacement cluster.
It has about 50,000 MORE miles than my vehicle.
Is it possible or advisable to run the odometer back to match my current numbers?
The concern comes from things like tire warranty, for example.
Thank you.
John Dieudonne
Answerit is possible , but not advisable, I would just keep clear records of the replacement . Take a photo history just in case and just run your maintenance schedule based on the mileage on the new pod.
The key to sales , if /when it comes time , is service records
Hope that helps
