Instrument Cluster - How to remove.

Starting with this


Because, with the mk2 you can drop the steering column, I initially tried to carry this out without removing the steering wheel. It might be possible, but i decided to take off the steering wheel and column shrouding to make the job easier.

To remove the steering wheel, first disconnect the battery. After 15 mins or so, remove the airbag.The air bag is held on with two Torx30 bolts accessed from the rear of the wheel.


Then disconnect the yellow plug, and put the airbag aside.


Loosen and remove the 19mm retaining nut, and then unplug the multi plug. You can then pull the wheel towards you to remove it.(mark the position of wheel on centre spline for refitting)
It is vital that you take measures to ensure the contactor doesn't rotate or it may be damaged.

The column shroud is held with 3 screws underneath. 2 near the stalks and 1 at the bottom under the fusebox cover.

So, the outer cowl of the dials is held in with 4 screws, two shorter ones here


and here


and two others here


and here


You can now ease the cowl forward to remove the connectors from the dimmer and the mirror control.




It was at this point I realised I should have taken the steering wheel off.

The instruments are also held by 4 screws, two here


and here


two here


and here


It is now possible to pull the instrument pod forward to see and release two long grey connectors and a short yellow one.

With the connectors freed you can now ease the instrument pod out. This is the rear face of the pod.

Disconnect the dial illumination plug.

The clear and black cover is held on with 4 black lugs.

2 here either side of the yellow sticker.


and 2 on the other side. but first you need to remove the 2 metal brackets. They are marked left and right.


Now, by pressing the lugs in you can ease the front off.

Apart from different connectors on the back, the removal of the Mk1 mechanical speedo cluster is the same.

Having done this numerous times, I now know that it is entirely feasible to remove the MK2 cluster without removing the steering wheel.( Not sure on the mk1 because of the cable connector for the mechanical speedo)

I've removed the instrument cluster on a Mk1 without removing the steering wheel.

:broon: I just wasn't sure you could get your hand far enough in to unclip the speedo cable.:shrug: Obviously, you can. :yesnod:

If you twist and tip the mk1 cluster over you can just reach the speedo cable or pull it sideways and have supple wrists.

I didn't say it was easy, I said that I'd done it! :lol:

:bust: