1977 Targa climate control face plate

The black knob on my fan control switch popped off. How do i get the climate control face plate off in order to put it back on? My car is a 1977 Targa. Does the plate just pop out?

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This post was auto-generated based upon a question asked on our tech article page here: Porsche 911 Heater System Repair | 911 (1965-89) - 930 Turbo (1975-89) | Pelican Parts DIY Maintenance Article

[Nick at Pelican Parts]

Been along time for me. I think it is a unit and the faceplate doesn't come off. I am however going by memory. I opened a post in our forums. A Pelican community member may be able to answer your question.


- Nick

[DaveMcKenz]

Uhh. Push it back on?
Good luck.
Dave

[rwest]

It is a whole unit and a job you wouldn't wish on anyone!

[DaveMcKenz]

Do you have a picture. On my year 84 it would be no problem.
Dave

[Jdub]

Reviving this thread to ask if the climate control facia plate on my 78 Targa can be prized free of the dashboard? To be clear, the part is to the left of the radio and has the climate levers protruding from slots, a fan switch, etc.

Reason is those pesky lights that should, but often do not, fit into their respective tubes to backlight the facia face plate. There is absolutely no way I can find to get them back into their tubes and further there is distortion and even one broken bulb to deal with. If I can pull the facia and even purchase a replacement I would be glad to do so.

[Otter74]

No, you have to remove the whole assembly, which means disconnecting all of the cables.

[fintstone]

Originally Posted by Jdub

Reviving this thread to ask if the climate control facia plate on my 78 Targa can be prized free of the dashboard? To be clear, the part is to the left of the radio and has the climate levers protruding from slots, a fan switch, etc.

Reason is those pesky lights that should, but often do not, fit into their respective tubes to backlight the facia face plate. There is absolutely no way I can find to get them back into their tubes and further there is distortion and even one broken bulb to deal with. If I can pull the facia and even purchase a replacement I would be glad to do so.

This is a solution (with LEDs) albeit not inexpensive.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/RENI24.htm?pn=REN-I24&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjww5u2BhDeARIsALBuLnP7czPEcDCqB5H9jaTP 73V1EJQVtRFoEfqqbYblZJaGjiVUw3pMM9UaAnnUEALw_wcB

If you google INSTALL RENNLINE BILLET HVAC CONTROL PORSCHE you can find lots of details about this (including how to remove the faceplate...even if you don't buy the panel).

The panel is held in by a single nut in the back of the unit. It is not terribly hard to get to. Disconnect the battery when you work on it as the wires to the panel lights are not fused (unless you added a fuse). If those wires are accidentally grounded (with the battery hooked up), you will burn up your headlight switch.

[Jdub]

Thank you, I did fuse that section of the harmess pretty scary way to lose your 911.

[EC900]

Seems like a big deal to replace the entire panel for the sake of a couple bulbs sockets, unless of course it’s just worn out and ugly.
I never paid any attention to the control backlighting or do much night driving to notice or rely on, I did though once find one of the bulb sockets popped out dangling from under the dash casting a broad light towards the floor. Simply shaped the wires and tucked it “close enough” until I was able to see where it actually belonged. I think all the shuffling of wires (radio, speakers,etc) under the dash worked the sockets loose.

Solution - I wrapped a piece of tape around the socket base and finagled it back into the opening. Fits tight now. Trick is to get the thickness of the tape (or same piece of plastic wrap film) just right so it’s snug but not too much to expand the base that it won’t come out if bulb needs to be replaced later.
If it were easy I probably would have done the same for the other one.
Yes it difficult to manage hands and fingers up there and line up, pair of chopsticks helps. I think I had knee pad and radio out at the time.

[Jdub]

I have the interior stripped down for a fresh carpet install so this is the best time to lay back on some pillows and shoes off feet up on the parcel shelf. It just bothers me so that's my issue. I like the chopstick approach I will give that a shot. Thanks to all for your encouragement!