pluggers
MB Enthusiast
HOWTO - Outside temp gauge
Finally got my act together and fitted an outside temp guage.Very easy to do.The only tools needed were electric screw driver,cable ties,wire cutters,soldering iron and solder,2mm allen key or small screw driver.Parts obtained were the temp display unit and temp sensor,the wire is supplied to go to the instrument cluster with this part.
First thing to do is disconnect the battery negative lead.Then you can remove the instrument cluster and then remove the blanking plug for the display unit, useing the allen key (save these screws as you will need them to secure the display unit back in).Then insert the temp display unit and resecure.
Disply unit
display unit fitted
Whilst the cluster is out you will need to check you have the correct plug fitted to the temp sensor lead,this will fit into the 21 pin connector(the larger of the two), that plugs into the rear of the cluster.
To check this, carefully strip down this plug by cutting the cable tie and sliding down the end cover to expose the inside of the plug.You will have to look for assignment A1 and A2.BE carefull as wires or plugs might come out.If this is OK replace cover and secure for now.
On mine I had to change this plug on the sensor hence needing a soldering iron.The other type of plug needed comes supplied with the temp sensor ready to fit if its needed.Be sure to keep the colour assignment green A1 brown A2.
This is the picture of me soldering on new pins for the new plug resting on my knee.
When this has been done and you are sure the plug is correct you can now fit the sensor to the front of the car.I have fitted it to the removeable panel under the bumper via one stainless steel bolt M5 with stainless washers.
Route the cable through the inside and up through the wireing ducts under the washer bottle and up the side of the car and around the back of the engine so it comes out next to the fuse box.
Route cable through duct under washer bottle
Overview routed to the fuse box
Route through here
Unscrew the fuse box and lift out the assy just enough to get your hand in.The sensor cable has to go into the fuse box via an empty rubber bung at the side,just cut one open and route your cable through that and exit it at the bottom of the fuse box through the bulk head.At this point I found it easier to remove the bottom panel of the dash board to gain better access.Route the cable to the 21 pin connector and install into assignment A1&A2.
Refit everything back together then install the plugs back into the instrument cluster and refit back into dash.
Connect the battery lead,switch ignition on and hey presto :bannana:
Finally got my act together and fitted an outside temp guage.Very easy to do.The only tools needed were electric screw driver,cable ties,wire cutters,soldering iron and solder,2mm allen key or small screw driver.Parts obtained were the temp display unit and temp sensor,the wire is supplied to go to the instrument cluster with this part.
First thing to do is disconnect the battery negative lead.Then you can remove the instrument cluster and then remove the blanking plug for the display unit, useing the allen key (save these screws as you will need them to secure the display unit back in).Then insert the temp display unit and resecure.
Disply unit
display unit fitted
Whilst the cluster is out you will need to check you have the correct plug fitted to the temp sensor lead,this will fit into the 21 pin connector(the larger of the two), that plugs into the rear of the cluster.
To check this, carefully strip down this plug by cutting the cable tie and sliding down the end cover to expose the inside of the plug.You will have to look for assignment A1 and A2.BE carefull as wires or plugs might come out.If this is OK replace cover and secure for now.
On mine I had to change this plug on the sensor hence needing a soldering iron.The other type of plug needed comes supplied with the temp sensor ready to fit if its needed.Be sure to keep the colour assignment green A1 brown A2.
This is the picture of me soldering on new pins for the new plug resting on my knee.
When this has been done and you are sure the plug is correct you can now fit the sensor to the front of the car.I have fitted it to the removeable panel under the bumper via one stainless steel bolt M5 with stainless washers.
Route the cable through the inside and up through the wireing ducts under the washer bottle and up the side of the car and around the back of the engine so it comes out next to the fuse box.
Route cable through duct under washer bottle
Overview routed to the fuse box
Route through here
Unscrew the fuse box and lift out the assy just enough to get your hand in.The sensor cable has to go into the fuse box via an empty rubber bung at the side,just cut one open and route your cable through that and exit it at the bottom of the fuse box through the bulk head.At this point I found it easier to remove the bottom panel of the dash board to gain better access.Route the cable to the 21 pin connector and install into assignment A1&A2.
Refit everything back together then install the plugs back into the instrument cluster and refit back into dash.
Connect the battery lead,switch ignition on and hey presto :bannana:
Last edited:
! One thing tho just to be on the safe side,I would take out the cluster and check its the same unit thats fitted on mine.As later models were actually built into the cluster and possibly require a different temp probe for the bumper.Not sure when the pre facelift cars were updated with newer electronics before the actual facelift car took over. 
) 
