I have a 1996 Mercedes C220 and went to get it smog checked in Santa Maria, CA today. They said everything passed fine except that the "check engine" indicator bulb was burned out. Every now and then on rare occasions out of the blue it would flicker on for a few second. When I turn the key on, all of the indicator bulbs come on except the "check engine" bulb.

How can I change that particular bulb? They said it will pass the smog test if I get that bulb fixed.


albaltes@yahoo.com

 

cluster actually just pulls right out toward you. you need to get on the sides and pull out. then you will see bulbs.

 

My car is actually a 1996 C220

The cluster does not seem to pull out towards me, I tried in vein. What do you mean by "get to the sides"? Get to the sides with what? When I tried to get a screwdriver in between the plastic cluster and the dash, it was way to tight, it would either break the plastic, or tear up the dash.

Any other ideas?

 

here is the tool that works something with a small 90 degree angle.

[IMG]local://upfiles/20215/518588AB74AB442B85ECB36167A2CFBF.jpg[/IMG]

 

I tried a tool like that, but the cluster seems to be bolted in or something, it actually "hits something" when trying to pull it out. Do you know if there are any clips or a screw/bolt holding it in somewhere that I am not seeing?

(thanks for the help by the way, it is greatly appreciated)




[IMG]local://upfiles/29949/F0148695169C43D084291376B884BC51.jpg[/IMG]

 

i see some damage to the panel you can heat that up with a heat gun and it will sort of go back into place. you have to insert the tool on the sides of the cluster about half an inch in, there is actually slots that you will grab with that tool. you should pull both sides out at the same time. it literally just slides out.

 

I got it out and swapped the bulb with the working bulb next to it. The bulb is fiine. Something else is wrong, the bulb is good, but the "check engine" light still will not come on with the rest of the indicators when I first turn the key on.

Any ideas?

 

not sure maybe the socket is bad, try to leave the key on and move the bulb around or spin it until you see light. maybe the circuit board is bad or has a bad spot on it.