DIY - (Gen 3) Removing Dash & Console - With Pix (not 56k dialup)

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Couldn't find anything written up, and I'm not even sure how useful it will be, but thought I mite post up a step-by-step how-to on removing your dash surrounds, cluster, and centre control console.
The purpose for me doing this today, was I intended to install a B4 dash cluster to my wags, which was bought from a member here.
It didn't quite work out how I wanted it to, so instead I continued fiddling around and generally pulling everything apart and cleaning out all the gunk and crap that had accumulated in fiddly little places, like airvents!!!
Mods feel free to move or delete this, if it's not useful, or in the wrong area.
Tools Required:
Phillips screwdriver - Stubby shaft
Phillips screwdriver - Long shaft
Magnetic probe - a godsend for finding dropped screws
Clean work area
Good lighting
Time to waste
Patience
Beverages if desired
[color="Red"]
Remove negative battery terminal - there are plenty of times you will accidentally hit the horn, wiper or indicator stalks
Loosen the steering height adjustment lock, so the steering wheel can move up and down freely
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole001.jpg
Gently unscrew the gearknob until it comes loose from the stick.  The gearboot is permanently attached to the knob, but will free-spin against it allowing you to unscrew the knob.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole013.jpg
Once free, gently prise free the gearboot surround - be careful not to break any of the retaining clips, or your surrounds will be loose and either rattle, or move, once reinstalled
Once removed, you can clean out the years of gunk that accumulates inside the creases and folds of the gearboot
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole014.jpg
Remove cigarette lighter - Remove ashtray
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole015.jpg
Using the stubby phillips screwdriver, remove the 2 screws inside the ashtray rails - they are hard to get to
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole017-2.jpg
Let the ashtray rail assembly dangle loose, or undo the wiring clip which is the ashtray light and remove the entire assembly
Remove the 2 screws which hold the bottom rubber dished tray in place - tilt it upwards at the rear of the dish, and slip it backwards.  There is a little plastic tab at the front edge directly under the cigarette lighter, which locates into a slot in the frame - be careful not to bust this tab off as you remove it
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole016.jpg
Gently prise off the surround on Right of steering wheel, where the cruise and foglight switches are from the bottom edge.  Be careful not to bust any of these clips too
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole021.jpg
The switches (or blanking plates) are removed by pushing through the FRONT of the panel, not the rear, so the harness clips must be unclipped to remove the panel fully.  My car has a security light installed which was hardwired to the immobiliser, so there was no plug to unclip, so I just let it dangle out of the way, as indicated in the photo
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole022.jpghttp://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole023.jpg
Gently prise around the centre console surround.  Most of the surround will unclip easily, but it is very tight and awkward at the top left, where the cup-holder pops out of the centre console.
It is easier to pop the cup-holder out, which will give you a bit better leverage when wiggling the surround loose of it's final few clips.
Be very careful not to twist or grab the cup-holder too much in case it breaks
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole024.jpghttp://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole025.jpghttp://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole026.jpghttp://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole027.jpghttp://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole029.jpg
Remove the 6 screws holding the centre control console in place - 2 on left of frame, 2 on right and 2 underneath
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole031.jpghttp://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole032.jpg
Gently pull the centrol control console out slightly, and let it rest in position.  At this point, you can unclip the plugs from the harness.
You can remove the screws on the side of the centre console frame, to remove each of the items in the DIN units.  I pulled out the open, and the flip-lid DIN pouches to clean them.
You cannot entirely remove the whole assembly unless you disconnect the sheathed cable for the heater unit on the fan control unit.  There is no picture to indicate this cable, however there is a single screw which holds a retaining clip in place.
There is no picture to indicate fully removing the stereo unit
Once it is free, remove the 2 wiring plugs for the cigarette lighter
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole030.jpg
Use the stubby screwdriver to remove the 2 screws on the inner top face of the dash cluster shroudhttp://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole019.jpg
and the long screwdriver to remove the 2 screws from the bottom support braces of the dash surround http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole033.jpghttp://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole034.jpg
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spinifex
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2001 Gen3 Liberty GX Wagon Limited Edition  ===>  Complete WRX Driveline Conversion
MY00 v6 Sti Engine / VF35 / Apexi Power FC ECU / Nissan Z32 AFM / FMIC / CAI / 3" TBE

169.6 kw atw

Re: DIY - (Gen 3) Removing Dash & Console - With Pix (not 56k dialup)

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[color="Red"]
Gently prise the dash shroud/surround out from it's position
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole035.jpghttp://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole036.jpg

Unclip the Hazard Light Switch & continue to remove the entire dash shroud/surround
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole037.jpg

Once the entire surround is removed, it should look something like this
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole038.jpg

Using the long screwdriver, remove the 5 screws holding the dash cluster in place.  1 top middle, 2 on each side in middle, 2 each side at bottom
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole039.jpghttp://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole040.jpg

Tilt the dash cluster towards you at the bottom and wriggle it gently to remove from the main housing.  You may need to press down hard on the steering wheel, to push it to it's lowest height position, to allow you to slide the cluster out over the top of the column-mounted park-light switch
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole042.jpghttp://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole043.jpg

Lay the cluster on it's back, on top of the steering column.  Unclip the harness plugs.  Depending on model, the harness plugs may be in different positions, either on top, or on the rear, of the dash cluster housing
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole044.jpghttp://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole045.jpghttp://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole046.jpg

Once free, you should have a gaping hole in front of you - ensure you separate the harness plugs slightly in the correct positions, to ensure you plug them back into the correct sockets on the cluster when reinstalling
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole047.jpghttp://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole048.jpg

The rear of the cluster shows the various bulbs - for those wanting to change the colour of the bulbs, or replace them with LED's
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/spinifex74/Removing%20Dash/RemovingDashConsole050.jpg
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Reinstalling is simply a reverse of the above.

Point to note when reinstalling:
DO NOT reinstall the main centre control console before re-fitting the Hazard Light plug & surround - you will not get your fingers in to plug it back in.  It is relatively easy to UNplug it, with the centre console still fitted, but it's virtually impossible to REplug it, if the centre console is fitted.

Once finished, ensure you haven't left your column-mounted parker-light switch turned on - it's easy to forget about (and many people still don't even know it's there), and wonder why your parkers are on - you may assume you've shorted out some wiring when you reconnect the battery terminal

Dont forget to re-adjust and lock the steering height

Test all electrics work again before you put your tools away !!!

Hope this is of use to members smile

spinifex
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2001 Gen3 Liberty GX Wagon Limited Edition  ===>  Complete WRX Driveline Conversion
MY00 v6 Sti Engine / VF35 / Apexi Power FC ECU / Nissan Z32 AFM / FMIC / CAI / 3" TBE

169.6 kw atw

Re: DIY - (Gen 3) Removing Dash & Console - With Pix (not 56k dialup)

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wikid post mate! well done

Mods, sticky this!

richo_besto
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Re: DIY - (Gen 3) Removing Dash & Console - With Pix (not 56k dialup)

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I managed to do this to my gen 2 (remove the cluster) my lights were out... so while i was in there I changed the globes to red leds.  sanded down the back of my gauge faces (took forever) and coloured the back of them in with a red sharpie... dash went from green to red, looks awesome now...

just gotta get one of the alpine headunits with the red screen smile

dance_hard
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my ride 1995 maroon Subaru Liberty Rallye GX

Re: DIY - (Gen 3) Removing Dash & Console - With Pix (not 56k dialup)

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Great writeup. Lots of nice pics.

Moved to DIY section...

XoN
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Re: DIY - (Gen 3) Removing Dash & Console - With Pix (not 56k dialup)

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XoN:  Thanx mate.... but if you are a Mod, can u Please edit the title to indicate it is GenIII specific..... mite confuse some members with other Gen's who try to follow it, if the process isn't quite the same

I cant edit the main thread title, for some reason

spinifex
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2001 Gen3 Liberty GX Wagon Limited Edition  ===>  Complete WRX Driveline Conversion
MY00 v6 Sti Engine / VF35 / Apexi Power FC ECU / Nissan Z32 AFM / FMIC / CAI / 3" TBE

169.6 kw atw

Re: DIY - (Gen 3) Removing Dash & Console - With Pix (not 56k dialup)

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Great work Dave.

fatcat67
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Re: DIY - (Gen 3) Removing Dash & Console - With Pix (not 56k dialup)

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Good post, will be helpful to alot of people.

Also, the gear stick boot isn't permanently attached to the knob, you just pull the gear knob fairly hard, its just a lip on the bottom of the knob.

sheppo9
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Nothing to see here....

Re: DIY - (Gen 3) Removing Dash & Console - With Pix (not 56k dialup)

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sheppo9;138396 wrote:

Also, the gear stick boot isn't permanently attached to the knob, you just pull the gear knob fairly hard, its just a lip on the bottom of the knob.
Oh, I honestly didn't know that.... LOL... learn something new every day smile

spinifex
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2001 Gen3 Liberty GX Wagon Limited Edition  ===>  Complete WRX Driveline Conversion
MY00 v6 Sti Engine / VF35 / Apexi Power FC ECU / Nissan Z32 AFM / FMIC / CAI / 3" TBE

169.6 kw atw

Re: DIY - (Gen 3) Removing Dash & Console - With Pix (not 56k dialup)

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HI Dave,
what was wrong with the cluster?
Why didn't it fit up?
Got it up for sale?

PM me.

Cheers
Darryl

djb
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Re: DIY - (Gen 3) Removing Dash & Console - With Pix (not 56k dialup)

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Plugs into the cluster are different - as per this thread here http://ozliberty.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11286

Hopefully getting the dash harness from Lance's car too... it's been sold to someone else, who is offering it to me - I know the plugs will fit, but there's the question of where the dash harness plugs in at the other end, into the loom?

Hopefully, at that position, all the loom wires/pins will match up too, so it's just a matter of choosing the correct dash harness, to match the cluster you are using?

Anyone know for sure?  Please respond in the other thread smile

If it doesn't work out, it will be for sale - same price as I paid for it, plus postage, since I've only had it a week or so, before discovering it's not a direct swap, without wiring.

spinifex
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2001 Gen3 Liberty GX Wagon Limited Edition  ===>  Complete WRX Driveline Conversion
MY00 v6 Sti Engine / VF35 / Apexi Power FC ECU / Nissan Z32 AFM / FMIC / CAI / 3" TBE

169.6 kw atw

Re: DIY - (Gen 3) Removing Dash & Console - With Pix (not 56k dialup)

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Mate I am so impressed it ain't funny..

p.s time for a new gear knob..,

i'll sticky this, if not done already

XXB4XX
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Re: DIY - (Gen 3) Removing Dash & Console - With Pix (not 56k dialup)

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XXB4XX;138686 wrote:

.............
p.s time for a new gear knob....
LOL..... I know where the gears are... don't need some engraving on the top to tell me tongue

I think it's a roadworthy requirement in most states though, isn't it... to have your gears clearly marked ??

That's the gearknob that came with the donor car when the conversion was done, so it's a good 6-7 years old now tongue

spinifex
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2001 Gen3 Liberty GX Wagon Limited Edition  ===>  Complete WRX Driveline Conversion
MY00 v6 Sti Engine / VF35 / Apexi Power FC ECU / Nissan Z32 AFM / FMIC / CAI / 3" TBE

169.6 kw atw

Re: DIY - (Gen 3) Removing Dash & Console - With Pix (not 56k dialup)

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Thank's very clear how to remove it!!! Many thank's

gorka
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Re: DIY - (Gen 3) Removing Dash & Console - With Pix (not 56k dialup)

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thanks, i did this just the other day to clean the car and found a hair brush that had got down there some how:lol:

rxsam
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Re: DIY - (Gen 3) Removing Dash & Console - With Pix (not 56k dialup)

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... does B4 uses T5 bulbs?  I just want to check before i get some red LED's off ebay.....


Cheers....

goran
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Re: DIY - (Gen 3) Removing Dash & Console - With Pix (not 56k dialup)

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What I'll do first, check the manual. That helps!

gorka
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Re: DIY - (Gen 3) Removing Dash & Console - With Pix (not 56k dialup)

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i dont think that user manual will tell you to take the dash off and replace bulbs yourself.....   Unless you mean mechanical manual, which i dont have.

goran
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Re: DIY - (Gen 3) Removing Dash & Console - With Pix (not 56k dialup)

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You can check what generation of your car, and download Service Repair Manual for your car from this forum. Good luck!!!

gorka
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Re: DIY - (Gen 3) Removing Dash & Console - With Pix (not 56k dialup)

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sheppo9 wrote:

Good post, will be helpful to alot of people.

Also, the gear stick boot isn't permanently attached to the knob, you just pull the gear knob fairly hard, its just a lip on the bottom of the knob.
awesome. so i'll have no problem fitting an aftermarket momo knob then?

El Nino
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Re: DIY - (Gen 3) Removing Dash & Console - With Pix (not 56k dialup)

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this makes it a hell of a lot easier

what i wanna know is,

what globes do i change if i want to remove all of the green and turn it to white or red?
and also what type of globes do i need to do so?

talev788
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Re: DIY - (Gen 3) Removing Dash & Console - With Pix (not 56k dialup)

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I second talev788's question..

Cheers

Scooby-Doo
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