Removing Octavia Instrument Cluster

[EddyH]

I'm having trouble getting the instrument cluster out in my Octavia. I've followed the instructions on the Milotec site here but I cannot get the covering trim off that is secured by the 2 upper screws. After removing the 2 screws it's still held in very securely at the bottom. The milotec instructions say use light downward pressure. I've used a lot more than light pressure and it's not budging.

Anyone else removed the clocks and got any tips?

[Tech1e]

Should be just the two upper torx screws then pull the surround trim out towards you.

Then there are two torx screws at the top and it pivots at the bottom.

[EddyH]

Yeah I removed the screws but when trying to pull out the surround trim it's stuck tight at the bottom.

[Tech1e]

Theres nowt holding it other than a couple of clips, go on tug it from the bottom.

[EddyH]

ok, I'll give it another go in a few mins.

[EddyH]

Sorted it now thanks. My fingers are sore now though. Light pressure is a BIG understatement.

[bengie]

what exactly you doing to the dials then eddy?

[EddyH]

what exactly you doing to the dials then eddy?

All will be revealed in due course.

[bengie]

i wonder :confused:

can't wait to see

[warpc0il]

Some things never change and so 18 years on and I have exactly the same issue.

 

Undo the two screws - check

Unclip the two clips each side - check (after discovering that the top right clip was trapped behind the frame of the hole in the dash panel

Pull the trim away from the bottom - that's NOT happening!!

 

Tried lifting, squeezing, and pulling as hard as I dare, and there's slight movement but it's not coming away.

 

I notice that the trim has got the original manufacture date label on the back - 3rd November 1998 - so maybe the very early ones are somehow different???

@EddyHDid you just pull MUCH harder or was there a trick to it?

 

I've tried blowing warm air, from a heat gun, through the slot underneath, in the hope it would soften the plastic and ideally help it unclip, but at least stop it shattering.  Not broken it yet but not getting anywhere either.

I need to get access to resolder the joints on the board behind the speedo, as the immobiliser keeps cutting the fuel as soon as the engine starts.

Edited 31 May, 2023 by warpc0il

[warpc0il]

Okay, so this afternoon I've finally got it off!

There was a trick to it, which is a different action to that shown in any of the youtube vids or discussed here, and I don't know if that's because it's such an early car.

 

Anyway, it was clear that no amount of pulling, or pushing down was going to work.

 

This only left a few directions and, with the screws removed and the side clips disengaged, I tried pushing the lower section in, away from me, toward the front of the car.  There's about 1/8" movement in this direction if you push hard enough and, if you hold it in and gently move it down, then two hooks on the back disengage and the frame becomes loose in your hand.

 

We have lift off!!!

 

Just need to get the instruments out now, and apart, and find and fix those dry/cracked joints on the board.....