Well, I wanted to remove the instrument panel to get to the back of the radio, it actually doesn't allow you to get to the back of the radio as a heater vent is in ht way, but here is how to get the panel out - it really is SIMPLE.!! - and I found something at the back...
To remove the panel, put the steering wheel in the centre. remove battery terminal. there are 4 torx head screws on the instrument cluster surround, 2 at the bottom one each side of the steering column surround, 2 at the top inside the cluster surround, easy to feel and see. remove them, the panel surround simply lifts off, no clips nada..
To remove the instrument cluster complete, you have 3 larger torx screws, one at the top, two at the bottom, clearly visible, and the panel is located on small plastic dowels so you cannot get it wrong on refitting.
Remove three torx, lift out cluster and slide to left (on LHD car), then remove the connector from the back. lift it out, thats it !! it really is simple..
Now, the surprise, behind the instrument cluster is a 40 / 45mm heavy gauge steel tube running across, it looks like some form off protection cage.. amazing stuff !.. wonder where else this kind of tubing is fitted (I presume it runs completely across the panel...
Anyway, if you ever want to remove the instrument cluster, dont sweat, it is absolutely easy. A small torx key set is easier than individual drivers for this.
Give it a good dust and vacuum while it is out..
- nice new looking panel now but couldnt get to bloody radio - same going from glove box, no way..!!
Managed to do radio with careful movement of cables and a small piece of bent coat hanger with some silicone tube over it to form a padded hook....
To remove the panel, put the steering wheel in the centre. remove battery terminal. there are 4 torx head screws on the instrument cluster surround, 2 at the bottom one each side of the steering column surround, 2 at the top inside the cluster surround, easy to feel and see. remove them, the panel surround simply lifts off, no clips nada..
To remove the instrument cluster complete, you have 3 larger torx screws, one at the top, two at the bottom, clearly visible, and the panel is located on small plastic dowels so you cannot get it wrong on refitting.
Remove three torx, lift out cluster and slide to left (on LHD car), then remove the connector from the back. lift it out, thats it !! it really is simple..
Now, the surprise, behind the instrument cluster is a 40 / 45mm heavy gauge steel tube running across, it looks like some form off protection cage.. amazing stuff !.. wonder where else this kind of tubing is fitted (I presume it runs completely across the panel...
Anyway, if you ever want to remove the instrument cluster, dont sweat, it is absolutely easy. A small torx key set is easier than individual drivers for this.
Give it a good dust and vacuum while it is out..
- nice new looking panel now but couldnt get to bloody radio - same going from glove box, no way..!!Managed to do radio with careful movement of cables and a small piece of bent coat hanger with some silicone tube over it to form a padded hook....
