Hey Guys,

Many of you have asked me to do a detailed writeup on this for quite some time. I've seen a few different write-ups including the instructions in the factory manual, however I feel that all of them leave out a few critical steps to a smooth trouble free installation, which is what I'm sure many of you are after. This whole surgery takes me 15 minutes. First time you do it take an hour. I know it seems like a ton of pics, but I like Detailed instructions as they really help you understand on how to do this properly.


"PERFORM THE BELOW AT YOUR OWN RISK, I'M NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU SCREW SOMETHING UP"


BEFORE YOU START:




You will need 2 torx screw drivers t-10 and t-20. Set of small hooks would also be helpful, a small sharp screwdriver or a plastic prybar, Needle nose pliers, 10mm wrench coat-hanger wire for my "custom" tool and a magnet pickup tool is always nice to have around in case you drop a screw.




The whole Pod Assembly sits on the dash held in place by two t-20 screws, one is hidden behind the hazard switch, and the other behind the small plug right to the left of the gauges (you can see the opening on the Cluster surround for some it houses the hands-free microphone). In the pics I already have a CF surround installed but in my case I'm swapping it out for a red CF one so it should be easy to differentiate.

1. Disconnect the battery. Give it 5 minutes once you do so for all the remaining current in the harness to discharge. (10mm wrench)

2. Press the Hazard Button (it will pop out a bit).

3. Use two screwdrivers (or hooks) from both sides of the Hazard button to pry it to come out. It shouldn't require much force.






Here's the trickiest part that the manual doesn't tell you about.

4. .Before you can remove the Hazard Switch, you need to remove the Hazard Surround Trim. Otherwise you will break the Switch....ask me how I know


5. When you look into the opening you will see that the hazard trim has two small holes on both sides of the opening. You can use 2 small hooks to gently pull it out (or you can make a tool from a wire hanger, really makes it easier)






6. Once the trim is removed, use needle nose pliers to grab the switch, squeezing the tabs, and gently pull it out noting the orientation(remember which side is up).



7. Undo the visible T-20 screw.



8. Remove the plug from the left side of the cluster insert using a small hook or prying it gently with a small screwdriver. It should pop out easily.





Once you remove it it's a good idea to trial fit it into your New Carbon insert. You might have to smooth the edges with a sharp knife or a nail file to make sure it slides in smoothly. That way if you ever need to remove it it will come out easily.



9. Undo the T-20 screw behind the plug. (This is where the magnet comes in handy)



10. Now the cluster pod is only held by a few clips. Pry the pod upwards and it should pop out.



11. Disconnect the 4 plugs that attach to the cluster (they're color coded) it is easier if you get out of the car and look at it through the windshield as the plugs have safety locks that keep them snug.








12. Now you can lift out the Pod Assembly.


13. The cluster is attached to the Pod/ Insert by two Torx screws.




14. Once you unscrew the cluster it should be easy to see how the Insert attaches to the Pod.





Be gentle with the CF piece as it's flexible but not as giving as plastic and if you over-tighten it the tabs can crack.

Reinstall in reverse order. Below are the takeouts with the new cluster surround assembly:












Let me know if you get stuck. Comments are welcome

 

Great write-up!

 

thanks for the write up. and photos. and hints.

JB

 

I echo their comments... Great write up!

 

Nice job!

What are you doing with the old pieces?

 

+1 to you. Excellent write up. Great information!!. Shows that these cars are easier to work on than people think.