Taking the cluster apart?

[splitwindow]

There are plenty of topics about changing gauge faces etc. but I didn't come across into instructions how to take the whole cluster apart in order to access the bulbs which illuminate the analog gauges.

Anyone?

[Tool Pants]

You do need to separate the cluster to got to those bulbs. If you look inside you will see a black plastic tab which keeps it together. I reach in there with a thin bladed tool and release the tab.

Look at the back of the cluster and you will see a white paper sticker with a bar code. To the top left and right there is an opening shaped like a triangle. Get a good light and look for the internal tab. You stick your thin flat bladed tool in one of the openings and release the interior tab that is keeping the top of the cluster together.

Then release the black tab at the bottom of the cluster.

Once the cluster is open you will see various bulb holders. The illumination bulbs are in the green holders. They are standard bulbs you should be able to find at a parts place.

Bad design.

[Tom M]

There are plenty of topics about changing gauge faces etc. but I didn't come across into instructions how to take the whole cluster apart in order to access the bulbs which illuminate the analog gauges.

Anyone?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've got a complete write-up with lots of pictures on removal and disassembly if the instrument cluster at http://boxsters.addr.com/hacks/cluster.htm

Edited March 25, 2005 by Tom M (Sunol, CA)

[splitwindow]

You do need to separate the cluster to got to those bulbs. If you look inside you will see a black plastic tab which keeps it together. I reach in there with a thin bladed tool and release the tab.

Look at the back of the cluster and you will see a white paper sticker with a bar code. To the top left and right there is an opening shaped like a triangle. Get a good light and look for the internal tab. You stick your thin flat bladed tool in one of the openings and release the interior tab that is keeping the top of the cluster together.

Then release the 2 black tabs at the bottom of the cluster.

Once the cluster is open you will see various bulb holders.  The illumination bulbs are in the green holders.  They are standard bulbs you should be able to find at a parts place.

Bad design.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

How tight of a fit is this? I've got everything out (as far as I know) but the pieces just don't come separate. It seems that the gauges are not willing to separate from the rear piece of the cluster. The front is already out of the way.

This is how far open I can get it and I just don't have the guts to pry it more open. Any ideas which are still holding it in place?

[splitwindow]

You do need to separate the cluster to got to those bulbs. If you look inside you will see a black plastic tab which keeps it together. I reach in there with a thin bladed tool and release the tab.

Look at the back of the cluster and you will see a white paper sticker with a bar code. To the top left and right there is an opening shaped like a triangle. Get a good light and look for the internal tab. You stick your thin flat bladed tool in one of the openings and release the interior tab that is keeping the top of the cluster together.

Then release the 2 black tabs at the bottom of the cluster.

Once the cluster is open you will see various bulb holders.  The illumination bulbs are in the green holders.  They are standard bulbs you should be able to find at a parts place.

Bad design.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

How tight of a fit is this? I've got everything out (as far as I know) but the pieces just don't come separate. It seems that the gauges are not willing to separate from the rear piece of the cluster. The front is already out of the way.

This is how far open I can get it and I just don't have the guts to pry it more open. Any ideas which are still holding it in place?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Do I need to unplug the white, blue and black connectors from the back of the cluster as well?

It seems that these are the onlyones keeping the cluster together but they are a real pain in the xxx to get out!

[Tool Pants]

Your picture show the tab at the bottom of the cluster released.

You still need to release the top tab inside the cluster like I described before.

It is easier if you release the top one first.

To get to the internal tab you need to put a flat bade at an angel inside the cluster like in this picture.

[splitwindow]

Your picture show the tab at the bottom of the cluster released.

You still need to release the top tab inside the cluster like I described before.

It is easier if you release the top one first.

To get to the internal tab you need to put a flat bade at an angel inside the cluster like in this picture.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If You referring into the white tab which is in the top middle, that was released but the cluster still does not come apart?

[Tool Pants]

Sorry, it has been a while since I took a cluster apart so I just looked at a spare one I have.

I forgot an important step.

There is a black plastic thing that sticks up on each end of the back of the cluster. My screwdriver is pointing to it. You need to slide both of them over before you release the tabs. Otherwise you cannot separate the cluster to get to the internal bulbs.

Then once it is apart you can see the internal bulb holders.

[stan]

I have a 2004 c2 6spd and have the alum faced gauges. I would like to change them out with the black factory face gauges. Can anyone tell me were to find a set? Also the cluster in the pictures look like a Boxter, is the 911 the same as far as install goes?

stan

[Tool Pants]

The cluster in my pictures is the original style from a 996.

There are several compaies that sell faces. http://www.nrauto.com/sub_index.asp?spage=Gauges

Everyone wants to switch from black to silver. You might want to see if someone with black faces wants to swap clusters. Then you would have to have the mileage adjusted by a shop.