328 central instruments

I'll have to do that this weekend to my 328.
I've never done it before, but here's how a FChat member has explained it to me:
(thank you OportoGTS!)

- remove the steering wheel by removing the 6 (or is it 8?) bolts using a Allen key
- remove the four small lights at the corners of the dash. You can use a dental floss to make the job easier
- remove the four bolts found inside of these four light holes
- manouver the dash out. You might want to protect the leather around the dash with tape so not to damage it
- replace the bulbs with new ones or maybe LED ones. Less current, more light and durability

Instalation is the reverse ....

 

I always like searching for repairs, etc that other members have done with their 3x8.
For two reasons, I enjoy reading and learning plus it familiarizes me with the procedure should it ever come up.
Just last night I searched for this same concern, dash light, and came up with many previous posts.

Just for FYI:
Main concern here from reading these threads were that the steering wheel screws, the allen one, can be difficult to remove, hence loc-tite, blue loc-tite as one member had noted.
Also, they used a hardened allen wrench, mm.


Some members suggested WD-40 (or the like) to loosen bolts. One actually suggest to tighten it a tad, to possibly "break" the hold then loosen.

I suggest, not b/c I have done this here but "leverage" is always great to loosen frozen stuff. Increase length of the handle of the allen wrench if your using a 90 degree tool. Patiently, let the leverage do the work...

Others once removed, installed higher watt bulbs for better brightness... I think it was Sylvania brand. Some didnt notice a change...

Anyway post some pics of each step, this was one thing that was lacking in the threads...

Good Luck..

 

I havent changed the globes on the centre gauges but I did remove the clock and this would be the same for the other two guages....The easiest way is to remove the stereo and from memory remove the centre A/C vents and diffuser duct,,this will give you greater access to the rear of the guages.....There are two nuts that hold down a retaining plate for each guage,,,,,once these are removed the guage comes out and you have access to the bulb,,,,,once you remove one guage the access to the others becomes easier as well....
Hope this helps

 

So how did you do it?
Got pictures?

 

Undo the two thumbscrews on passenger side fuse panel and remove, then look under the centre console you will find a further two thumbscrews or sometimes normal screws, undo these and then pull the lower edge slightly towards you, then lift the whole unit up by about 1/2" and it will come away, you can then easily change the bulbs without removing anything else.

Refitting is reversal of above except you will have to reconnect the aircon tube to the lower vents if A/C is fitted

 

On mine, I removed the two screws under the center console, and the whole thing dropped onto the floor.
(I did have the fuse panel cover off.)

You'll have three multi-pin connectors for the instruments, and then you'll have to deal with however the aftermarket guys wired the radio.
(If you want to connectorize the stereo, you can get 6.3mm blade connectors similar to OEM connectors here.)

After that, you can take the whole thing inside and work on it in comfort.

The three bulbs are readily accessible, so you should be able to work en sito, if the stereo is too Rube Goldberged.

You'll have to make sure you fit the ducting for the AC vents when you reinstall the console.

A long nail or stiff (solid) wire or long hex wrench shaft can help align the screw holes with the fittings in the brackets when you remount the console. (Helps with the fuse panel cover, too.)