How To - Remove Your Instrument Cluster

[carlpenn]

In preperation for my Visit to Monk, to have my Message Centre unit fitted and given teh T4 treatment, I thought I would make a "How To" on removing the Instrument cluster.

It is fairly straightforward to do, with the right tools.

Using a flat object, preferably a Trim Tool, gently lever the Dashboard from the bottom, I find it easiest doing it from teh following two locations:





Once the Dashboard has moved from its clips, gently pull teh dashboard away with your fingers, I found it easiest to pull the Dash starting at teh Console, as pictured:





Once the Dashboard is loose, grab a screwdriver, Phillips, preferably one without a Sharp pointy end, use one with a flattened end. Undo the two Screws that hold up teh trim above the Instrument Panel, as seen in the pictures. Press firmly upwards to avoid the Screwdriver slipping and damaging the screw head.



Once both screws are removed and stored safely, gently lever the trim downwards at the centre. Once it pops free, you will see it won't pull away cleanly, you need to hold the middle with one hand and gently push from the Right hand side inwards to "Bend" the trim, then it will pop out freely.



Once this trim is away, store it away and look inside the Cluster area, you will see central above the Cluster, a Screw. Simply unfasten this and store it safely.



This is where you need to be patient. Once the Screw is removed, you have to work your hands behind the Dash at each side of the Cluster. The left side is easier as you can get your hand in behind the Cluster. The right side you can only just get one or two fingers behind the Cluster. When you are comfy with your hands position, push the Cluster firmly forwards. You will note straight away, that the Left side will pop out quicker, due to more fingers pushing





Once the Unit is free of its clips, you will find two plugs behind on each side of teh Cluster. I don't know the Techy name for these, but you need to push down on a clip and pull a lever over the top of that clip to release it. A bit tricky but fairly simple when you have done your first



Once the Plugs are free, simply lift away the Cluster and you will be left with this:




And your Cluster Unit is ready for replacing or whatever reason you needed to remove it for




Refitting is reverse of removal, with the exception that you can refit your Dash at this point, it only needs removing to assist in pushing the Cluster out

I hope that helps. I will be doing a "How To" Switch Dials from a Mph to a Kmh Cluster later to tie in with this how to

The usual rules apply here, this post is just a guide and any work you carry out yourself, is at your own risk etc


Disclaimer:
You are responsible for any work or modifications carried out on your car and you undertake any such work at your own risk. The 75 and ZT Owners Club nor the original authors in this thread can be held liable for anything that may happen as a result of you following this thread's posts.
Any modifications should be reported to your insurance company.

[Greeners]

Carl

Great How to....


Just one thing, you don't need to remove the dash panels, you can simply undo the cover, remove the single screw and the IPK will squeeze out...

[carlpenn]

Originally Posted by Greeners

Carl

Great How to....


Just one thing, you don't need to remove the dash panels, you can simply undo the cover, remove the single screw and the IPK will squeeze out...

Yep I tried that, but I found it awkward this way took no more than 10 minutes and was straight forward enough.

[Greeners]

Fair play.....