How do I remove the instrument cluster?

[johnnyecosse]

I need to tackle this job tomorrow to find out if somebody has blanked out the ESP and glow plug lights with black silicon to hide some problems. I think I've sorted the problems that somebody has tried to hide with a new brake light switch which I've read can cause the glowplug light to flash and ESP light to come on. My cruise control now works and the ABS light hasn't come on again either. A step by step guide to get to the area I need would be great.

[Issac Hunt]

Pull the trim out from above the steering wheel (the one with the flap of black fabric one) that you can see with the wheel pulled out and down.

Behind that are a couple of Torx screws, take them out and the cluster will able to be pulled forward, relaese the electrical plugs and the back and its out.

[johnnyecosse]

Thanks for that - will I then be able to see if there is black silicon hiding the lights or will I need to delve deeper?

[Issac Hunt]

Depends on what been bodged/butchered inside, you might be able to see some signs of interference.

[benjie]

The cluster will be hard to get out, I used 2 pairs of needle nosed pliers to grab the pastic on the bottom and shimmy it out. Then the bottom is out, tilt it up. 2 wiring clips.

If the previous owner has done a bodge job, you prob won't see it. Though the part number sticker is usually stuck over the join line of the cluster, so if that's ripped or not quite stuck properly, it may have been taken apart before. There are some screws, T8 I think, some are gold, some silver. You take out 1 colour - think it's silver. Then release the feeble plastic clips and it will come apart. Inside, there are some tiny wires plugged into a harness on each side, so you'll need to remove them, then the whole thing comes apart.

You can see the proper innards of the cluster then. BE very careful because it's quite delicate!

[johnnyecosse]

Thanks for the replies. Job done. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. There WAS black silicon blocking out the ESP light and the glowplug light. All this was done to hide these light as they were on due to a faulty brake light switch. Also cruise control wasn't working and ABS light was on. All sorted now and working perfectly for under a tenner for the switch fitted by myself in under 1 minute. Just a couple of tips for future reference.

1. You can push the cluster out from behind once the 2 torque screws are removed. MUCH easier than pulling with pliers.

2. When refitting it really helps big time if you locate the 2 torque screws before offering the cluster up.

All in all an easy job that I was a bit daunted by before attempting it but there's no need to be worried.

[Issac Hunt]

good to know it sorted your problems.

[benjie]

Glad you're sorted.

Good to know about the pushing thing too.