W203 Instrument Display

Bluenosecclass · 04-02-2009, 10:03 PM

The instrument display on my 2003 W203 estate has a section to the extreme LHS that is sometimes black instead of the orange light behind the display. All figures and displays are still visible.

Is the display on the way out?

If so any suggestions?

Thanks in advance

Andy.

Dieselman · 04-02-2009, 10:31 PM

Sounds like the backlight bulb is gone. Replace it.

tikw2124 · 05-02-2009, 10:32 AM

Andy, i have exact same symptom. Spoke with my indie who believes the panel has to be stripped down to get to the bulbs. He has never done one before do, not sure how long it will take. Could be a lot of expense on labour for 60p on a bulb. At moment i have put it on hold. If any one has any further advice, it would be most welcome.

1998K · 05-02-2009, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tikw2124

Andy, i have exact same symptom. Spoke with my indie who believes the panel has to be stripped down to get to the bulbs. He has never done one before do, not sure how long it will take. Could be a lot of expense on labour for 60p on a bulb. At moment i have put it on hold. If any one has any further advice, it would be most welcome.

it's quite easy to dismount the dashboard panel: also without the factory 2metal brakets that should be utilized for a proper operation, I've used two selfmade metal hooks (iron wire), or may be pushing from below (dismounting the lower panel).
Once in hand should be easy to open the clips or screws to change the burned bulbs

Obviously if you are a little bit used to manual work

merc man · 05-02-2009, 11:41 AM

10 min job at max, i changed 2 small bulbs in mine.

tikw2124 · 05-02-2009, 08:36 PM

Thanks all for info. Just to expand on what i experienced. My first visit to indie regarding this fault the tech was looking at ways to get the special tool down the side of inst panel (apparently, this works on older models, he then realised that on w203s there are 2 holes in inst panel to push the tools in. Once he had removed the panel he took back off and i was there to see, there was no sign of any bulbs. Rather than damage the panel (very expensive, he said) he decide to re-fit it untill a more experience tech could look at it. On re-fitting, he showed me how the tools unlocked the black plastic locking clips which hold the panel in place. Unless these clips can be got to from underneath and forced open, i can't see another way of removing panel without them or a locally made tool at least.

I just want to make it clear that i am not doubting your theory or experiences, it is just what i witnessed and was informed.

If you have any pictures of the bulbs and where they are located in the inst panel, it would be very helpful

columb · 06-02-2009, 10:44 AM

Funny, as I was going to as VERY same question, left bulb is on it's way out

3 cars affected? Spooky!

Anyway, how this tool looks like as I'm prepared to do this by myself

Cheers
Chris

merc man · 06-02-2009, 10:47 AM

you can also access the bottom of the cluster by removing the knee pannel, but thats too much work, just use a modifyed coat hanger in each side and it does the trick, cluster out in 2 secs!

you have to open the cluster up if i remember correctly there 2 levels to remove before you get to the lights.

1998K · 07-02-2009, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merc man

you can also access the bottom of the cluster by removing the knee pannel, but thats too much work, just use a modifyed coat hanger in each side and it does the trick, cluster out in 2 secs!

you have to open the cluster up if i remember correctly there 2 levels to remove before you get to the lights.

I totally agree on the way to remouve the cluster both way are OK!

as regards the two side holes it's mainly a matter of push and hook up to the cluser in order to cling and take out, but you have to try and you'll see it's quite easy

04-02-2009, 10:03 PM	#1
Bluenosecclass New Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: West Mids Car: C180K Est W203 Posts: 2	W203 Instrument Display The instrument display on my 2003 W203 estate has a section to the extreme LHS that is sometimes black instead of the orange light behind the display. All figures and displays are still visible. Is the display on the way out? If so any suggestions? Thanks in advance Andy.

05-02-2009, 08:36 PM	#6
tikw2124 Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Norfolk Car: 2002, W203 C Class 270 CDI Avantgarde Tiptronic, COMMAND, Phone Posts: 177	Thanks all for info. Just to expand on what i experienced. My first visit to indie regarding this fault the tech was looking at ways to get the special tool down the side of inst panel (apparently, this works on older models, he then realised that on w203s there are 2 holes in inst panel to push the tools in. Once he had removed the panel he took back off and i was there to see, there was no sign of any bulbs. Rather than damage the panel (very expensive, he said) he decide to re-fit it untill a more experience tech could look at it. On re-fitting, he showed me how the tools unlocked the black plastic locking clips which hold the panel in place. Unless these clips can be got to from underneath and forced open, i can't see another way of removing panel without them or a locally made tool at least. I just want to make it clear that i am not doubting your theory or experiences, it is just what i witnessed and was informed. If you have any pictures of the bulbs and where they are located in the inst panel, it would be very helpful __________________ Regards Keith

04-02-2009, 10:31 PM	#2
Dieselman Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 19,310	Sounds like the backlight bulb is gone. Replace it.

05-02-2009, 10:32 AM	#3
tikw2124 Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Norfolk Car: 2002, W203 C Class 270 CDI Avantgarde Tiptronic, COMMAND, Phone Posts: 177	Andy, i have exact same symptom. Spoke with my indie who believes the panel has to be stripped down to get to the bulbs. He has never done one before do, not sure how long it will take. Could be a lot of expense on labour for 60p on a bulb. At moment i have put it on hold. If any one has any further advice, it would be most welcome.

05-02-2009, 11:41 AM	#5
merc man Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: London Car: Mercedes C180 kompressor,CLK V6,Fiesta ST,Rs Escort,IS200 Sport,Renault Clio V5 Posts: 400	10 min job at max, i changed 2 small bulbs in mine.

06-02-2009, 10:44 AM	#7
columb Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: May 2008 Location: Exeter, Devon Car: C-CLASS 200CDI (W203) Posts: 440	Funny, as I was going to as VERY same question, left bulb is on it's way out 3 cars affected? Spooky! Anyway, how this tool looks like as I'm prepared to do this by myself Cheers Chris

06-02-2009, 10:47 AM	#8
merc man Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: London Car: Mercedes C180 kompressor,CLK V6,Fiesta ST,Rs Escort,IS200 Sport,Renault Clio V5 Posts: 400	you can also access the bottom of the cluster by removing the knee pannel, but thats too much work, just use a modifyed coat hanger in each side and it does the trick, cluster out in 2 secs! you have to open the cluster up if i remember correctly there 2 levels to remove before you get to the lights.

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