Bill Ball

This is the first time I've removed a pod from a car newer than 89. I'm trying to remove the switches from the shaft. Two screws at the bottom front of the facia came out, and I removed some small screws from lower facia, but it appears still fixed hard at the top. What am I missing? I've got everything off underneath. If you answer this, you qualify to move on to the Bonus Question in next post!

Bill Ball

BONUS QUESTION!

I found this large plug underneath the pod. It has a jumper in it. I can't see anything nearby that would acommodate this plug. It's about the size of a LH plug. WHAT IS IT? The jumper and tiewrapping don't look factory to me.

linderpat

after market alarm?

RyanPerrella

RDK

Mine had the same thing.

What do i win?????

Bill Ball

That was the bonus question. You need to answer the other question first. Prize to be announced later.

RyanPerrella

Bill,

I actually removed the pod on mine somewhat by accident. I was trying to get under the dash to a clean up some wiring and started unscrewing some things and before you know it I had the pod removed, all without taking the wheel off. You dont have to remove the wheel to get the pod off at all.

The main thing holding the pod down are the 4 long allen bolts that go through these 2 really nice aluminum brackets. Once you pull those 4 long bolts the pod is free to move around, this also frees the instrument cluster. Remove the 5 large switches and you can get the pod out and over the wheel. Then you just pull the 4 cables that connect into the back of the cluster.

I have a Question i would like answered. Since i got the pod out i am filling and fixing the cracks, pics to come later. But i reattached the cluster to the 4 plugs and it operates as it should. But the only problem i have currently is that when i hit the lights, the interior lights dont come on. The cluster is still illuminated as if its daytime so ic an see it just fine, but the ac lights and the cigarette lamp dont come on. Also the dimmer switch does not work. So somehow in removing the pod i have disabled the interior night lights. Any thoughts on what I did before it comes time to reinstall and nothing works?

Bill Ball

Now you tell me! On earlier cars you remove the steering wheel as well as the Allens underneath, and it is quite simple to do. Well, at least I managed to remove the airbag properly. It hasn't blown up yet. I wasn't planning on removing all teh switches. My goal is to replace the ignition switch electrics and chck the oil pressure gauge wiring (it works intermittently and responds to moving the pod).

I'll have to sudy the wiring diagrams to see what you might have interfered with the interior lights.

RyanPerrella

Bill also since you have the wheel off, can you tell me if you can get access to the steering shaft bushing? I want to replace that as very rarely i hear a clicking noise when i turn the wheel. Its completely random but i suspect its the steering shaft bushing. From what you can tell, is that fairly straightforward to remove? Also if you can see a part number that would be great, I looked it up in the PET but see a couple different ones as they changed with the pods i think. I know one says 90+ but maybe you can confirm if if you can see it.

Bill Ball

Well, the bushing/bearing is behind all the switch crap that I can't seem to figure out how to remove. I'm going out to the garage to poke around in there some more.

RyanPerrella

oh and when i removed the pod, i did have to detach all the 3 parts that make up the exterior finishing of the steering column. I removed the top and botton one but the one directly behind the wheel stayed on. If you wanted to pull the pod without pulling the wheel you have to remove the column plastic parts.

Bill Ball

The pod height adjustment lever is in the way of removing the lower facia piece, but I guess I just have to figure out have to get the others off first.

ROG100

Bill,
The two caps at the top of the bezel need to be removed and you will find two screws underneath.
Roger

Bill Ball

DUH!!

The top screws are covered by little caps. They didn't come off easily and seemed like they were molded as part of the front facia. I was pulling and tugging, and one popped off. Just came back in to see your reply, Roger. Looks rather obvious now! The bottom screws were exposed.

ROG100

Bill,
Sorry I was to busy watching the Cowboys stuff the Colts to read your post earlier.
Maybe I get half a prize.
Roger

Bill Ball

Yes, but what do you give the 928 guy that has everything?

Hey, I just want to pull the pod up and forward a bit to get to the back of the ignition switch and the connector for the oil pressure gauge. It's not moving very freely. Seems rather stuck. Do I need to pull all the switches? I didn't have to with my 89.