How do you remove the gauge face?

[tengocachetes]

I'm trying to figure out how to remove the gauge face so I can replace it with another, but when I try I feel like I'm going to break something. Any help?

[Sukhoidave]

It's an intimidating job! It's easy to get into the cluster, you probably know how to remove the trim ring and get the clear plastic off, that's easy. From there you will need to get the whole instrument cluster out. You may as well start with removing the needles. The center caps lift up at an angle then slide off the needles. Pull the needles straight up off their axles.

There are several connectors in the back of the instrument cluster that can be tricky to disconnect because its hard to get your fingers in there. They have sort of locking levers that you flip the opposite way to release. When you have the whole cluster out I believe there are some screws holding it together. If you open it up you are going to ruin a seal that will tell a service center that you have done so and have thereby voided any warranty that might cover any problems with the cluster, so now you proceed at your own risk. When you open up the cluster small parts are likely to fall out. They are probably little plastic spacers. Work very carefully to try to keep them in place.

When you get it apart you can push the gauge face from the rear to release the sticky glue holding it on the cluster. Push in several spots so it doesn't bend too much.

You put it all back together in the opposite order. It's more intimidating than difficult. * I used a solvent to get the glue off mine so that now I can just remove the needles and pull it off when I want to change mine.

Good luck!

[marvins_dad]

Here's a How-To I did years ago, hope it helps...

http://www.dehon.org/antoine/Marvin-Speedo0.htm

[vdubbugman53]

you disconnect the gauge cluster= hello AIR BAG LIGHT

[jpdeuce]

I did a How to for when I swapped the LEDs on my gauge cluster as well...but you will have to search a bit for it.

[marvins_dad]

Originally Posted by vdubbugman53

you disconnect the gauge cluster= hello AIR BAG LIGHT

I think I stated in my How-To the following...

"DO NOT turn the key with the cluster out"
You will only get an Airbag light if you insert and turn the key while it is out. Best thing is to take it out of the ignition, or better yet, leave the keys inside so you don't accidently insert and turn.

I've done tons of these and never had a problem with the Airbag.

[Billsbug]

Since we're on the subject, do u just pull on the plastic surrounds to get them off? I want to get mine painted, thx.

[marvins_dad]

Originally Posted by Billsbug

Since we're on the subject, do u just pull on the plastic surrounds to get them off? I want to get mine painted, thx.

Yeah.

Here is another How-To that BugMod did and we are now hosting...
http://newbeetle.org/forums/technical-how/856-guage-face-swap-how.html