Instrument Cluster

Hi I have a crack in the speedo glass on the cluster, I don't know how it happened as it is on the inside of the glass. Anyway I have been told it is a whole new cluster c£1000, can't I just get a new piece of glass??? Thanks

If not i know where there is a secondhand cluster with 47k on the clock if that's any help dont know what he wants for it but if you would like me to ask him just drop me a line

If you swap the cluster for a used one, bear in mind that there are two basic types - up to and including MY2001, and MY2002 on. Also, the mileage is stored in the instrument cluster.

You cannot just replace the glass... the cluster is a sealed unit to avoid tampering with....

I think the one Karl is refeering to is here for £175. http://www.coolitautomotive.com/performance%20spares.asp No connection to me.

well spotted geoff, i did see them the other day when i was at noels looking at some refurbished wheels he has

The lense is made of thin plastic. If you are careful you can remove it. You need to be careful because the lense is glued to the plastic trim ring and you may damage the ring if you do not first break the glue bond.

There are many variants available. Not only do the clusters vary depending on manual or tiptronic transmission, there are also variations depending on model year and market (i.e. I understand that UK spec. is different to Euro spec which in turn is different to US spec.). Turbo and GT3 clusters may be advertised as '996' but are in turn different and you may have issues with compatibilty if you try and use such units. The proper way to approach this would be to first get the right part number for your cluster by giving your OPC the chassis number of your car. They can then give you a price for a new one (usually around £760), you can then shop around if needs be. For any other one you consider the part number should be on a sticker on the reverse of each unit. Let me know if you get stuck & I'll try and help if I can.

Not true. You can take them apart almost completely. I have replaced my cluster dials for a coloured one and also I changed the bulb colours. The glass comes off in one piece and can be replaced although there isnt a part number for it on its own. It's not that hard to do either.

Hi Can you give me more detail, the crack is really bugging me. I have seen a few very cheap clusters on ebay US and thought abouth getting one of those to experiment with but am terrified of damaging mine further!! Thanks Vron

I presume you know how to remove the cluster. If not it's simple enough: 1) pull out the hazard switch and the microphone socket. There are two (I think m10) Torq screws behind. Uncrew them. then the dash pod will lift up with a little heave-ho. There are 3 colour coded connectors at the back. Unlcip those and the pod will come away. I would use a towel to rest the pod on while you disconnnect them to stop scatching your dash. The follwoing instructions from Loren's site. You may want to visit there and do a search. This has been explained so many times it has become tedious: http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=35&hl=instrument+cluster The cluster itself is 3 pieces - front frame (glass and frames), display unit (needles and gauge faces) and electronics unit. You need to open the cluster by: 1. Pull off the buttons for the clock and trip mileage counter. 2. Remove the metal springs from the left and right mounting points. 3. Place the unit on a flat level surface preferably on a soft towel. 4. Unclip the center of the electronic unit at the bottom. Then hold the press the green guide rails outwards with a screwdriver to release the latch. Take the electronic unit upwards out of the display by carefully pulling alternate sides (evenly). 5. Undo the clips (on some newer version clusters) in the indicator light housing and carefully take the display unit out of the front frame 6. You should now be able to change the glass. Reverse the steps to re-assemble. Note 1: it is not receommeded that you pull off the rings from the glass. They are glued on and dont go back! Note 2: This DIY does NOT affect the mileage recording in your car.

You need to use a long flat bladed screw driver down through the slot on the rear of the cluster, then gently twist slightly & if the other 2 clips at the side are off the front glass panel should release. I removed mine to fit some white dials

That is the way it is done. Pic #1.

Pic #2.

Thanks ! Just what I was looking for [ ]

996.641.227.03.70C is the part number for a Carrera 2/4/4S manual facelift instrument cluster with GB lettering. (There is a different one for an Anniversary Edition).

Thank you Richard much appreciated. Regards. Gavin.

hello Richard is this the latest upgraded part number? Is there any other part numbers before? many thanks.

I'm looking to try a replacement for mine as when I lock my car with the key fob my mileage light and digital clock will not shut off. Any ideas? Many thanks. Gavin.

That's the only version I can find listed in the PET (see attachment). I seem to recall the odometer and clock do stay on for quite a while after you lock the car. Have you locked it and checked about an hour later?

thank you Richard i have locked the car and the mileage light and clock stays on permenant. I have to put it on my CTEK or within a purple of days the battery will not have enough power to start the car. The battery and alternator is 12 months old and all the charging checks Fine so I'm thinking is it something in the cluster it's also locks and alarms ok without no beeps unless I double lock to disarm the interior motion. Any advise I would appreciate and look into. Regards. Gavin.

I very much doubt there is a problem with the instrument cluster. A small backlit display like the odometer/clock wouldn't drain the battery that quickly. My first thought is that there is a problem with the ignition switch, and it is holding a switched supply on when the key is removed. They aren't expensive, but a bit fiddly to change. There is a DIY in the Technical Articles section.

I had a good look on various forums yesterday and there are quite a few people who have had the same issue in the past with various outcomes, electrical issues especialy on older cars can be caused by any number of issues earthing ,backfeeds etc. The last thing I would do would be replacing the cluster, start with the simple thing, we know the ignition switch causes issues and is a simple fix.and as Richard said is a good place to start, if that fails try pulling fuses like those on line have done to see if that eliminates the light stuck knobs are also mentioned. Good luck Andy

Replaced ignition switch with no effect. if I pull the fuse out related to the cluster the lights go out so it’s definitely still live.

Thank you for your help i tried a new ignition switch electrical part but had no effect. I pull the related fuse and light goes out then put it back in again and mileage/ clock light light up again lock the car and wait but never going out.

Hi Gavin I would these guys a call for advice or repair. https://cartronix.co.uk/?s=porsche&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1-3yBRCmARIsAN7B4H1gvvzRLXLYSo9Iv-KyMtrFsKo76MjOOAr7WTpSrFCEjach5iyhwDoaAgbEEALw_wcB Please keep us updated & good luck Andy

Hi andy i gave them a call and explained what was happening and they said they didn't think it's the cluster itself as everything is working as it should.i changed the ignition switch electrical part and still the same. It was from euro car parts so not oe. I'm wondering weather to by an original one and give. That a try.

Hi Richard do you think it's worth buying oe ignition switch as the one I bought was from euro car parts which i presume is not original.

Gavin I have used this part from euro parts, It is usually stamped as an AUDI part as is the OM one so I doubt very much you would have two (new & original) causing the same issue. Re pulling the fuses does it go out one just one fuse & have you tried them all? I’m not sure how the time delay is switched but will keep looking Richard may know.

Andy if I pull out fuse B1 the cluster light goes out pop it back in light comes back on. B10 also relates to cluster I think if I pull that one nothing happens mileage /clock light stay on.

HI Gavin Sorry but I'm at a loss, the only other thing I've found is a by T J SEXTON’S post in this link its for a 986 boxster, but you may have seen this. https://www.renntech.org/topic/39628-boxster-dash-lighs-wont-turn-off-battery-drains/ need to find out what controls the mileage /clock light time delay. good luck

The Euro Car Parts switch will be a Dansk version, good enough for the job, Porsche dont sell the plastic switch on its own anymore.

As Matthew (T911UK) says, the Euro Car Parts one will be a decent quality - it is the cheap Chinese eBay ones which are to be avoided. The ignition switch is the usual culprit, but it is pretty unlikely you have had two with the same issue. I'm at a bit of a loss too. Fuse B10 is for "instrument cluster diagnosis" so I wouldn't expect it to make any difference to the display when it is removed. Fuse B1 is a permanent supply from the current distributor to the instrument cluster, so that's why the display will go out when you remove it. The display normally turns off after a certain time period, but I don't know if the time is controlled by a different device on the CAN bus, or is a timer within the instrument cluster itself. Perhaps (and I'm clutching at straws) a diagnostic check may show something.

Thanks for all your help guys i will get a diagnostic check to see what/if something pops up. I will keep you informed.

Hi Gavin, i have the exactly same problem as you at the moment did you find out in the end what it was coming from and did you manage to repair it ? Regards Pascal

Hi pascal mine turned out to be the obc stalk was always on therefore not letting the dash fully shit off. You can test this if you have the Porsche scanning tool. Go into the cluster settings and tou can see what is actuated and not actuated mine was stuck open on the forward. I got a second hand obc stick and changed it. Not to big of a job but steering wheel off. There are videos on YouTube etc how to do this. Good luck and let me know the outcome.