How to remove instrument cluster cover

[mattmarsden]

Could anyone help me to remove the instrument cluster cover so that I can install the microphone for the hands free kit. I have read the TSb on installing the hands free kit but it doesn't help too much.

Any help much appreciated.

[Scouser]

Its easy to do but the micrphone slot in the console pod is not a good place for the microphone despite there being a home for it there.

Best place is by the visor or by the reversing mirror. I have mine up the windscreen post next to my visor. It's held there using velcro and works great. (see pics below)

Getting the console pod off:

Adjust the steering wheel so that it is fully extended.

Place a towel over the steering column (stop scratches)

Use a butter knife: prize off hazard warning bezel and the switch cover.

Prize off the microphone slot cover.

You will see a torque screw in each side where you prized the bits out.

Undo these and lift the console pod up. Rest it on the towel.

May need to heave-ho on lifting the pod up.

On the back there are 3 connectors (blue, black, white)

There are flip-over holders over the connectors. Lift them and the

connectors will come out.

Under the pod, use a "plastic" screw driver and prize the hazard switch

off its connector. The connector will then pull out and the console pod

can be lifted out the car. Viola!

I can do this in about 5 minutes max.

Microphone on my drivers side upper windscreen post.

(excuse the messy garage)

Inside of my car:

Edited June 2, 2004 by Scouser

[mattmarsden]

Thanks for that Scouser, I shall have a go this weekend!

[mattmarsden]

Scouser, just to let you know your instructions were spot on. I removed the cluster and fitted the microphone - remembered to use the blu-tac on the end of the screwdriver trick to get the screw back in behind the microphone.

[Scouser]

Good one. Oh yeah I forgot to mention the blue tac ;)

BTW: where are you in the UK?

[mattmarsden]

Hi Scouser,

I'm in Slough, J6 of the M4 or J2 of the M40.

If you want to meet up at any time, please let me know.

[Scouser]

Hi Matt,

I go down to Watford once a month. We must meet for a beer.

Besides I want to see that Kenwood satnav system you installed.

I'll be in touch.

Cheers,

Berny

[mattmarsden]

Excellent. I'll PM you my mobile number so you can give me a ring when you find yourself down this neck of the woods.

[MagnusB]

I have tried my best to remove the hazard warning bezel but it just won't budge.

What is holding it in there? Anybody have a picture of it?

Its easy to do but the micrphone slot in the console pod is not a good place for the microphone despite there being a home for it there.

Best place is by the visor or by the reversing mirror. I have mine up the windscreen post next to my visor. It's held there using velcro and works great. (see pics below)

Getting the console pod off:

Adjust the steering wheel so that it is fully extended.

Place a towel over the steering column (stop scratches)

Use a butter knife: prize off hazard warning bezel and the switch cover.

Prize off the microphone slot cover.

You will see a torque screw in each side where you prized the bits out.

Undo these and lift the console pod up. Rest it on the towel.

May need to heave-ho on lifting the pod up.

On the back there are 3 connectors (blue, black, white)

There are flip-over holders over the connectors. Lift them and the

connectors will come out.

Under the pod, use a "plastic" screw driver and prize the hazard switch

off its connector. The connector will then pull out and the console pod

can be lifted out the car. Viola!

I can do this in about 5 minutes max.

Microphone on my drivers side upper windscreen post.

(excuse the messy garage)

Inside of my car:

[daytonaed]

I have tried my best to remove the hazard warning bezel but it just won't budge.

What is holding it in there? Anybody have a picture of it?

Its easy to do but the micrphone slot in the console pod is not a good place for the microphone despite there being a home for it there.

Best place is by the visor or by the reversing mirror. I have mine up the windscreen post next to my visor. It's held there using velcro and works great. (see pics below)

Getting the console pod off:

Adjust the steering wheel so that it is fully extended.

Place a towel over the steering column (stop scratches)

Use a butter knife: prize off hazard warning bezel and the switch cover.

Prize off the microphone slot cover.

You will see a torque screw in each side where you prized the bits out.

Undo these and lift the console pod up. Rest it on the towel.

May need to heave-ho on lifting the pod up.

On the back there are 3 connectors (blue, black, white)

There are flip-over holders over the connectors. Lift them and the

connectors will come out.

Under the pod, use a "plastic" screw driver and prize the hazard switch

off its connector. The connector will then pull out and the console pod

can be lifted out the car. Viola!

I can do this in about 5 minutes max.

Microphone on my drivers side upper windscreen post.

(excuse the messy garage)

Inside of my car:

I also tried prying my hazard button out yesterday and it wouldn't pop off. I didn't want to break anything so I just left it alone. If any one has pictures that would be great. I need to take my cluster off because I want to get my gauges done in silver.

[wross996TT]

Go here for some nice pics:

See Post #25

[NT_996]

I also tried prying my hazard button out yesterday and it wouldn't pop off. I didn't want to break anything so I just left it alone. If any one has pictures that would be great. I need to take my cluster off because I want to get my gauges done in silver.

Just keeping pulling - it is stiff but will eventually come off. The lugs are quite sturdy so i'd be very surpised if you managed to break them.

I discovered this very recently as I really struggled to remove the bezel, but it did eventually come off.

Neil.

Edited July 6, 2007 by NT_996