How to remove your instrument panel

[MGFmad]

I needed to remove my instrument panel tonight to fix a crack in the dashboard surround so thought it best to take some photos of how to remove the instruments - handy if you want to replace any dash bulbs or install chrome dial rings etc.

First thing to do is disconnect the battery, negative first followed by the positive connection then wait 10 minutes. This discharges the airbag circuit and prevents it from being activated.

Next open the fuse box cover under the steering column and remove the 3 screws from the steering column cover.



Next unclip the 2 halves of the column cover and remove.



Now remove the 2 bottom screws and 2 top screws that hold the instrument suround panel in place






lift the surround away after disconnecting the instrument light dimmer, later models will have the door mirror adjust switch to disconnect as well -



Now remove the 4 screws that hold the instrument cluster in place


On Mk 1 models, disconnect the cable speedometer drive, I found it best to put my arm up from the fuse box area as shown below.



to release the cable, press on the plastic peg as shown and pull the cable out of the housing.



Before removing the cluster, you need to unplug the various connectors shown, later models will have an additional electronic speedo connection.



Now remove the instrument cluster, I found it easiest to remove from the right as shown. Be carefull that it does not catch on the electrical connections on top of the steering wheel column.



Now you can replace the bulbs by twisting the bulb holders out of the cluster as numbered (1)
If you want to gain access to the front of the dials, proceed to unclip the wire from the lighting pod at points (2) then unscrew to remove clips (3) and lift the lighting pod (4) away.
To remove the instrument 'glass' unclip the 2 clips (5)



Then turn the instruments over to release a further 2 clips (5), the glass now lifts off.



As usual, reverse procedure to refit.
The speedo drive cable needs to be lined up properly to click in place, just turn the cable with your fingers or pliers to get it in alignment with the square drive on the back of the speedo.

[Petevick]

excellent post

[Fast Jan]

Couldn't agree more Pete. Brilliant post with great pics

And very handy timing too seeing as i should be getting my dash rings soon

[TF 52 ALY]

Very intresting read, this should be moved to "how to"

Stu

[Fast Jan]

Originally Posted by TF 52 ALY

Very intresting read, this should be moved to "how to"

But don't move it yet!! Let a few more F/TF-ers read it first as many don't look outside of this forum and it would a real shame to 'lose' it to "how to" just yet!!

[TF 52 ALY]

Originally Posted by Fast Jan

But don't move it yet!! Let a few more F/TF-ers read it first as many don't look outside of this forum and it would a real shame to 'lose' it to "how to" just yet!!

Sorry, I'll go and stand in the corner

Stu

[Fast Jan]

Yes i think that might be best

[martysangel]

Can anyone tell me how the instrument panel, including the clock, oil guage and heater controls are actually lit? All my panel lights have suddenly failed yet the exterior lights and courtesy lights are fine. I'm guessing this is both fiddly and expensive to remedy. Thank you from a new member needing help!

[Petevick]

Originally Posted by martysangel

Can anyone tell me how the instrument panel, including the clock, oil guage and heater controls are actually lit? All my panel lights have suddenly failed yet the exterior lights and courtesy lights are fine. I'm guessing this is both fiddly and expensive to remedy. Thank you from a new member needing help!

check fuse F12 -> http://www.mgf-tf-central.co.uk/_images/pas-fuse-1.jpg

[bowser]

anyone know if the white fascia on the instrument panel is replaceable as mine has a slight discolouration to it no idea why been like that since i bought car
cheers
bowser

[Herbie]

Very nice write-up MGFmad

Originally Posted by Fast Jan

.....And very handy timing too seeing as i should be getting my dash rings soon

Yes, on thursday
xxx

[MGFmad]

Originally Posted by bowser

anyone know if the white fascia on the instrument panel is replaceable as mine has a slight discolouration to it no idea why been like that since i bought car
cheers
bowser

You can get the instruments out of the housing but you would need to remove the needles to get the printed fascias out - I don't know how easy this would be. Second hand instruments are often for sale on ebay for reasonable money, if you have an electronic speedo with the digital readout, I would guess that someone who does diagnostics would be able to set the mileage on the replacement to what yours is currently at (but check first) if like me you have the analogue speedo, a replacement would always show incorrect mileage - not ideal when you come to sell, even with a genuine explaination.

[bowser]

cheers ive seen some on fleabay but wasnt aware you could re calibrate them
bowser

[joseyjo]

I want to change my clock for one that works is it easy to get it out? i'll have a go at most things that aren't oily

[Reaper]

Looks great glad someone has done this! However you dont need to remove all the housing arround the stearing wheel to get to the dials, i just did this yesterday to fit a low fuel warning light from 'Technozen' (member on the forum lives on the 200/25/ZR side) just remove the 4 screews on the dial surround and then lift out, remove 4 more screews and undo the 3 plugs and your away....

Plus if anyone is interested Technozen also does a replacement resistor kit to solve any fan issues. I fitted this also yesterday and now speed one works again!

I'll take a pic of the fuel warning light when i start running low of fuel.

[Scarlet Fever]

Agreed, it's tighter with the steering column cowl in place, but still possible.

Top posting though. Got all nostalgic for the last time i did a write up on this.

[darenh]

Originally Posted by Reaper

Looks great glad someone has done this! However you dont need to remove all the housing arround the stearing wheel to get to the dials, i just did this yesterday to fit a low fuel warning light from 'Technozen' (member on the forum lives on the 200/25/ZR side) just remove the 4 screews on the dial surround and then lift out, remove 4 more screews and undo the 3 plugs and your away....

Plus if anyone is interested Technozen also does a replacement resistor kit to solve any fan issues. I fitted this also yesterday and now speed one works again!

I'll take a pic of the fuel warning light when i start running low of fuel.

Is there a window symbol for the warning light on the f?

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by darenh

Is there a window symbol for the warning light on the f?

Dont know i drilled a 2mm hold in the gauge.

[marcus mgf]

is it neccesary to disconnect the airbag before removing the cowling to get too the bulbs?

[Herbie]

Originally Posted by marcus mgf

is it neccesary to disconnect the airbag before removing the cowling to get too the bulbs?

Not mandatory but I'd recommend to disconnect your battery and leave it for about 10 - 20 mins to get the systems discharged.