VITO 16 plate - Instrument cluster LCD display repair

[Tonycooper]

Hi Folks,

Can any one help please? I have a vito 16 plate W447 and the LCD display in the instrument cluster has stopped working. You can see that the information is there (very very faint) but the backlight/lcd is off.

I went to an Auto Electrician who told me it was a common problem with Mercedes. He identified the part required for replacement, (doesn't supply specialist parts) and suggested I buy the part and he'll remove the cluster and replace the display. I bought the parts, the new display was fitted, didn't solve the problem.

Now turns out he hasn't got the facilities to replace the transistors (that came with the display) on the mainboard, so he really shouldn't have taken the repair on when he said he could do it, so I'm back to square 1.

Is this the kind of repair that can actually be done by an independent auto electrician (with the appropriate facilities) ? Has anyone used these cluster repair companies that you send the whole unit to and are they reliable, could you recommend one ? Or is it a visit to the main dealer with the subsequent high costs?

Thanks for your help.

 

[bob6600]

I wouldn't go to the dealer, they will only replace the cluster + coding at your cost. These cluster companies are usually quite good as this is what they do. Even a TV repair shop (if there's any still around!) could replace the parts if they know which ones they are. BBA Reman used to be one the companies.

Vito Dash Rebuild | Dashboard / Instrument Clusters | Mercedes | Online catalogue | BBA Reman

Vito Dash Rebuild | Dashboard / Instrument Clusters | Mercedes | Online catalogue | BBA Reman

www.bba-reman.com

 

[BTB 500]

This lot are pretty good, and were used (IIRC) by Wheeler Dealers a number of times:

The Instrument Cluster Repair Specialist, Cluster Repairs UK

The UK's home for instrument cluster and speedometer repair, calibration, modification and spares.

www.clusterrepairsuk.co.uk

They had a go at fixing a more serious issue with the cluster in my Vito (the whole thing would periodically 'reboot' while driving - lights off, dials to zero, then it came back to life). Ultimately they weren't able to cure it but immediately offered me a full refund so it didn't cost me a penny. I needed a new cluster from a dealer in the end - after a bit of light haggling I paid £660 for this all-in, a couple of years ago.

 

[Tonycooper]

I wouldn't go to the dealer, they will only replace the cluster + coding at your cost. These cluster companies are usually quite good as this is what they do. Even a TV repair shop (if there's any still around!) could replace the parts if they know which ones they are. BBA Reman used to be one the companies.

Vito Dash Rebuild | Dashboard / Instrument Clusters | Mercedes | Online catalogue | BBA Reman

Vito Dash Rebuild | Dashboard / Instrument Clusters | Mercedes | Online catalogue | BBA Reman

www.bba-reman.com

Thanks for the reply, much appreciated.

 

[Tonycooper]

This lot are pretty good, and were used (IIRC) by Wheeler Dealers a number of times:

The Instrument Cluster Repair Specialist, Cluster Repairs UK

The UK's home for instrument cluster and speedometer repair, calibration, modification and spares.

www.clusterrepairsuk.co.uk

They had a go at fixing a more serious issue with the cluster in my Vito (the whole thing would periodically 'reboot' while driving - lights off, dials to zero, then it came back to life). Ultimately they weren't able to cure it but immediately offered me a full refund so it didn't cost me a penny. I needed a new cluster from a dealer in the end - after a bit of light haggling I paid £660 for this all-in, a couple of years ago.

Thanks for the reply, much appreciated.

 

[bob6600]

This lot are pretty good, and were used (IIRC) by Wheeler Dealers a number of times:

The Instrument Cluster Repair Specialist, Cluster Repairs UK

The UK's home for instrument cluster and speedometer repair, calibration, modification and spares.

www.clusterrepairsuk.co.uk

They had a go at fixing a more serious issue with the cluster in my Vito (the whole thing would periodically 'reboot' while driving - lights off, dials to zero, then it came back to life). Ultimately they weren't able to cure it but immediately offered me a full refund so it didn't cost me a penny. I needed a new cluster from a dealer in the end - after a bit of light haggling I paid £660 for this all-in, a couple of years ago.

This is the other name I was thinking about but just couldn't remember! Bit of a 'Doh!' moment seeing as they are called cluster repairs lol

 

[Tonycooper]

This is the other name I was thinking about but just couldn't remember! Bit of a 'Doh!' moment seeing as they are called cluster repairs lol

Thanks for the help, I'll get in touch, cheers.