How to remove speedo/instrument panel, Help ASAP please!?!

[Rob_OctaviavRS]

Hi there,

Right, I've got a fault with the cruise control and instrument panel, not gonna go into loads of details but I've got an auto electrician coming round later and he's asked if I can get the instrument panel out as he has a spare to try (god knows why he's got a spare one for an octy) to try and diagnose the problem,

The problem is I can't get the facia panel out (the plastic panel thats held on by two screws into the top of the dash that goes round the outside of the speedo unit) I just can't get it out, seems to be stuck or attached to something at the bottom somewhere.

Also is there anything I need to be careful of when removing the instrument panel itself?

I'm really desperate for help here and I'd really appreciate any advice!!!!!

Thanks

[mbames]

CC problems - have you checked the brake and clutch pedal switches?

The dash cluster is linked to the immobiliser and your keys, so using another dash, unless the keys are coded for it won't help.... (well I guess the car will not start, no non-functional CC will not be an issue at that point!)

If some of the gauges are not working on the dash, then the chances are you a have a dry joint on on the voltage regulars, pulling fuse 15 (iirc) should test that theory....

[Guest westallc]

new dash will req coding with vag com

[Rob_OctaviavRS]

Ah cack.

If it turns out the dash is fubared then, how would I get it out? Tried search but nothing comes up. The surround won't come out so I can't get to the screws.

I'm starting to hate this car now lol.

[mbames]

Check out post 8 in this thread:

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/27258-dashboard-needles-drop-to-zero/

[SILVER ROCKET]

I would have thought an Auto Electrician would have known the dash needs coding

[rwbaldwin]

As long as he's only using it for testing, there shouldn't be a problem. The car will start, but will stop after about 2 seconds. Most of the lights and guages are dumb and work without the car being started.