Anyone ever changed an instrument cluster out on a 2002 G500? Is it as simple as plug and play? The MB directions say I need a "quiescent current retention" device ... what the hell is that? It also suggests to "Read diagnostic trouble code memory and erase ... "
The reason I ask ... and as you might know from my previous posts ... I get an error every now and again (daily now) "Battery Alternator Visit Workshop". Last year, I changed out the alternator for a brand new one and the same with the battery. I take my truck to Collie Autoworks every summer to get the proper love from Darren who is the best in the bizz. He suggested that the error can be the result of a faulty instrument cluster ... but my cluster works fine. Just to be thorough we tested the alternator (again) and the battery (again) and everything is charging and holding a charge just fine.
That being said, instead of buying a brand new cluster for anywhere north of $2200 ... I found a refurb'd newer'ish one from a shop in LV for 90% less than a brand new one (thanks Serpe). I am planning on taking my truck to LA to have a fresh set of eyes look at it in a few weeks as well ... mechanically my truck is tip top, but this elecrical issue is killing me right now. If I swap out the cluster and don't get the error anymore I won't drive down to LA and can take care of all my service here in the basion locally!!!! If I do get it ... we can perhaps conclude it's NOT the instrument cluster at all. Although I would have the chance to use a 2012 G55 AMG as a loaner which sounds fun and take to the farm!! But all kidding aside, my fear is that when I swap out clusters I may encounter an entire host of errors that cannot be cleared without the SDS ... thus paralyzing my vehicle.
Any suggestions? Should I just go for it? I am getting fairly desperate and need to get this last outstanding problem reconciled ASAP.
Thanks everyone ... hoping to be able to escape for a few days and make it to the farm.
Peace and love.
Big Meat