imfinlay - 2014-05-19 9:47 AM

Since I was asked on another thread... here's the description of how I removed the pushbutton pod without taking the dash out. I'll update later with pictures and correct any errors - this is from memory!

1. Remove the instrument bezel and the "glass" (actually clear plastic). Screws should be obvious.
2. Undo the instrument cluster, and pull GENTLY forward to rest on the column. You'll need to get your hand in the left side, so you'll probably want to disconnect the turn signal bulb holder, and maybe now's a good time to clean up the instrument contacts anyway.
3. Remove the face plate from the push button pod. 3 x Philips screws.
4. You should have a felt damper on the back side of the plate. Mine had become detached and compressed. I shall make a new one.
5. Remove push buttons. Just pull them off.
6. Undo the screws that hold the push button mechanism to the mounting plate at the rear of the pod. These are cross-head screws that come out from the front.
7. Carefully reach round the back and pull the mechanism back, down and left a bit. Basically you will need to manipulate it out of the way of the pod mounting nuts, which are at the rear of the pod.
8. You'll need a 7/16 small socket. I also used a 7/16 nut driver for one nut which worked for me. (I need to check the size actually). I used a 3" wobbly extension to get into the nut and still be able to swing the ratchet.
9. Undo the three nuts. Two are regular nuts with an attached lock washer, one is a nut with a flare. I only needed one turn to loosen, then removed the ratchet and got my fingers to the extension.

And that's all there is to it. The mechanism stays in the dash so the car is still mobile.

Pics to follow.

d500neil - 2014-05-19 8:06 PM

That felt faceplate backing serves to surround the push buttons and seal-out any internal lighting from escaping the housing.