early dash help

[Desert Fox]

Im trying to figure out how to take the center part on the dash off on my 944.

I removed the two screws, shown in green, and I still cant figure out how to pull this part off. I don't want to just use brute force, when an easier solution can be formed.

Im trying to get to the fog light switch wiring, the red dot, because they are constantly on, so im going to try and replace the switch. And I want to change the clock light as well, while im in there.







and while im here, can anyone tell me which bolt on the transaxel is the fill? im guessing its the one right above the drain, but I thought that might be too low.

thanks.

[ballysdad]

pull forward and lift up..pain in the ass you think it will break..it fit together like a puzzle sux worse putting back in..

[thekidd]

http://www.clarks-garage.com/ go to "Garage Shop Manuel", the pick "D" and it will lead you to the 944 dash replacement, and it will tell you in great detail how to take it off starting at step #9.
You got the top 2 screws out, and then you will have to take the heater control tabs off, they will come off, just put some muscle to them or a plyer. Then you will have to pry the big peice off. No real clues on how to get it off, but there isnt anything else holding it on except for some presure from underneath the 2 heater vents above it. GL.
Did that steering wheel come with tha car? Because that is a steering wheel from the 924, and it looks like you have an arm reat instead of the small ass consol like my 944's and 924S

[ballysdad]

9.Remove the center console as follows:
Remove the two screws that hold the instrument panel, remove the panel, and disconnect the plug for the instruments. Lay the panel aside so it doesn't get damaged.
If that is the only piece you are taking out only 2 screws hold it you just have to pull forward and up at the same time to unlock the face plate from the console..It doesn't just come off when the screw are removed..

[many944s]

The fill port is located directly behind the output shaft on the driver's side of the gearbox.

Hope it helps!
-Nick

[jcommin]

The other option is to take the whole thing out in one piece. A liitle more work butyou don't run the risk of breaking something. Clarks Garage has an excellent write up on how to take the entire dash out. Drop down till you see the part on the center console. Pulling the entire thing out gets you all the gages, lights, etc.

[onZedge]

WOW. A dashboard without any cracks!!

I've had my 924S center console (same as yours) out on several occasions. Easier to take the whole thing out to work on it and the re-install as a complete unit. HINT: Once you have the console positioned properly during re-installation, start ALL mounting screws loosely BEFORE tightening up ANY of them.

[Slam]

Take out the whole console. Much easier. Lift off the ashtray and get the 10mm bolts there. Get the screws on either side of the console, pull off the shift lever, take off the heater slider knobs & controls and it'll come out. I did a writeup on this on this website a while ago. I'll see if I can find the link.

Here's the guts of it.

From memory (chances are I'll forget something, but this'll get you started):

Remove steering wheel - pry off horn pad. Wheel is held on by 22mm nut (24?). Two screws, accessible from underneath the column trim, hold the trim on. Take off the trim. Now you can pry off the connectors at the column (Make sure you've disconnected the battery). Three screws hold the column switches in - they're on the faceplate. Take 'em out and draw the switch assembly off the column. Now you can get the instrument cluster out - two screws at its top (over the multi-gauge and the tach). Reach behind the cluster and unscrew the speedo cable, then you can pull the cluster out and remove the connectors. Most of their placement is pretty obvious, but better label them all.

All this makes it easier to take out the switches on the dash face. Just reach into the cluster hole and remove them. There are tabs top and bottom on each one, so squeeze and push them out through the front of the dash. Then remove connectors. Now open the glove box and take out the mounting screws inside at the top. As you pull the glove box out you'll see how to disengage the glove box light. Now you can get to both outer vent ducts. You can leave the vents in and just pull off the hoses if you like. The vents' tabs tend to break when you try to get the vents out. You can also disconnect the hoses at the heater box after the console comes out if you prefer.

The console is held in place by screws around its forward edges and two 10mm bolts under the ashtray. Plus mounts behind the upper fascia. The two screws at the fascia's top corners come out, then the faceplates and heater controls. The heater controls are held by screws through clips on the bottom and two pins that engage the cigarette lighter faceplate - plus the knobs, which just pull off. I'd leave the heater cables attached to their carrier, 'cause the clips can break. Your stereo removal will depend on how you or whoever installed it did the job. Again, mark all the wires and such. I'll check this to see what I missed.

Now take off the winshield pillar trim on each side - three screws to each one, behind the pops, and the upper one is at an odd angle so it can be a pain. Now you can see the dash's upper corner screws. They can come out, and the lower corner screws which are almost directly below them under the dash. I think you're almost finished! There are two metal supports, one on either side of the console, that screw to the underdash lip and attach to the heater box. They'll have to be detached.

Lastly, pry off the speaker cover that's front and centre on the dash. The whole dash should now be hanging from the 10mm nut you'll see in there. Remove nut and the dash should come straight out.

Looks like alot but I can get an early dash out in less than 30 minutes. If I've missed anything, somebody here will know for sure. The Haynes 924 manual has got a good procedure for this, too.

HTH and good luck.