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I've found lots of discussions on odometer gear replacement, but can't find any DIYers descriptions of the instrument cluster removal. Anyone able to point me to the post discussing this process or post their procedure/techniques for me? Thanks! I have a broke odometer :-(
There is a Clark's garage write-up on late 944's under the electrical section. If not exact, it is very close. The only thing missing is how to safely remove the airbag on the steering wheel. Do you have access to workshop manual? The manual describes and illustrates the process.
Not too bad a job. Just make sure you mark that steering wheel so it goes back on in the same location. And do your bulb upgrade while you are in there!
Do a search. There are some nice LEDs that plug right in that put much more light on the gauges. Big difference. Cost very little. Back in the day there was a heat issue but not any more. I'll post a shot of what I used.
Also check the mirror finish on the light pipes feeding the cluster. As was mentioned by others, an upgrade to LEDs will improve the amount of light entering the light pipes, but if the mirror finish on the light pipes is degraded, you will still not have enough getting to the face of the cluster. My car had both problems in parallel, and after upgrading to LEDs and replacing the mirror finish with Aluminum HVAC tape, the cluster lighting is dramatically better.
FYI you can remove the cluster quite easily without pulling the wheel. It angles out really easily. Trust me, the dealer were not pulling the wheels on these every time they had to replace a bulb etc.
Without some electronics, LEDs in the cluster will not dim properly. New 3w bulbs and chrome paint on the "light tunnels" works great. You can also use aluminum tape on them if you do not want to remove and paint them.
Note that the 968 does not require the speedo needle be removed to replace the odometer gears. You may need more than one gear. Parts for a similar year Volvo odometer also work.
-Joel.
if you disconnect the bag, keep the key a mile away from the ignition switch))
NO, you must have the battery disconnected at least 30 min prior to pulling the bag. You can put the key anywhere you want except between the negative pole of the battery and ground.
FYI when operating as designed, the system in the 968 has a two step deployment process - front sensor plus decel sensor in airbag ecu. The airbag cannot and will not deploy just from removal. Even if the battery is connected.
The purpose of disconnecting the battery is to avoid the annoyance of the airbag light. And, to absolutely ensure that the SRS system is deenergized. Just in case.
And again, removal of the wheel is optional and the cluster can be pulled without removing the airbag or wheel.
FWIW, it's possible to remove cluster without taking the wheel out, but it seemed much more difficult to me than it was on our 944. So I just opted to remove wheel to make it easier. Also, if you refinish tunnels, regular bulbs provide enough illumination of cluster. At least, that is my experience.
If you haven't pulled the wheel yet, +3 on not needing to. It's a little finicky to get the angle just right after unhooking the harnesses for the cluster to slide out between the dash and wheel, but really not too bad if you take your time. Also, be gentle on the wire harness release tabs they get brittle with age..
As mentioned, you won't have any problem sourcing the gear and replacing it with links provided above.
I bought an assortment of led's from www.superbrightleds.com to replace all my bulbs while I was in there based on another thread here. For the main bulbs in the tunnels, I used: (3) 194-CWHP5 in cool white. For me they aren't as blue as I was hoping for so I plan to modify things a little (they come in a bunch of colors depending on the look you want) and they're also way too bright for me- need to figure out a dimming mod (the factory dimmer won't work with them). Also changed out the others too with B8's: B8.5D-RHP for example, and they look nice.
While there, I also repainted my needles using Testors fluorescent orange modeling paint, came out great.
So have some fun while you're at it!
Cluster after 944 turbo tach swap, white faces, needle repaint
07-29-2019, 06:17 PM
968 Instrument Cluster
