Is it a must to get the steering wheel off first to get to the dash lights? I am in the middle of this "little project" now and even the liquid wrench is having it's problems! I now know why they make vodka!
You can try it, but it's best to remove the steering wheel. If the wheel has never been off before, you're fighting the factory applied locktite on the screws. Make sure you're using a 'hardened' 3mm allen wrench.
I took my steering wheel off earlier this year. These did the job: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00946384000P?vName=Tools&keyword=allen+wrench
The allen wrench set from Sears looks promising. Yes, it is those six little screws on the hub of the wheel. The liquid wrench is doing no good and it has been over three beers ago! I do not know what is worse, watching Auburn loose or these little screws. Just used the new Mequires high tech wax on the 308. It is the best I have ever used and I show this car!
Dennis, If the screws still won't budge using the proper allen wrench, you can try whacking the top of the wrench with it in the screw head. Sometimes that will break the bond.
Didnt know they lost today, but I'm used to it. WAR EAGLE regardless, was still living there when Terry Bowden was there, and we went 20-0 until we tied with GA and lost to Bama. sorry for the hijack. James in Denver Auburn Class of 91
I've been following this thread waiting to hear about a fix. I know that this was a constant problem with the old Jaguar XKEs, dim lighting on the dash gauges. The solution there was to use replacement LEDs, which are available in a number of different colors, that are made to plug in to auto connectors and are dimmable. I was driving my 308 last night and indeed, the lights are dim, even turned all the way up. Just wondering if anyone has found replacement LEDs that will work in the connectors for the 308 dash lights?
You may have better luck just removing the entire wheel. It is super simple You need a special socket that isn't a bad thing to have in your toolbox anyway. I bought one from T Rutlands. It cost less than 1 hour labor so if you use it twice, it's worth it. The main thing is you don't want to scratch the wheel and screws which is where you are heading right now.
If you need me to I'll mail you mine. We do this stuff around here from time to time - all, of course, on the honor system concerning it's return.
If there is any damage to the screws when you take them out, do not re-install them. It will just be worse next time. Get new ones. McMaster-Carr is your friend. If you can live with silver screws instead of black then get them in stainless steel. NOTE: this is not a Bullfighter approved modification ;-) Stainless steel is stronger so your not as likely to strip the heads. In addition it will not corrode so your should not have a problem taking them off later. Finally, if you decide you want to use something like Locktite DO NOT use normal Locktite. It is too strong for such small screws. Use a lower-strength equivalent (see photos). Erich Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
