Getting Inside An E12 Instrument Panel

[MarcTS]

Hi Guys, I've just pulled out the instrument panel from my car and it was at that point that I got extremely confused as to how I actually open the thing up. Has anyone done this before and if so what do I have do smash/gently prise open?

[DaveSR]

Why do you want to open it?

[MarcTS]

Hahahaha I was waiting for that question.

I'm basically not a big fan of red lights....

[StevenM]

your instrument pannel seems to be doing about 10mph.

[MarcTS]

your instrument pannel seems to be doing about 10mph.

Not bad for an office chair eh?

[pb5]

Hi

I know this may sound daft have you tried dimming down the the display so it's not so bright?

I can't see you will be able to change it without a new complete unit .

pb

[MarcTS]

I'd really prefer to change the bulbs inside the unit, and It looks possible as there are 4 metal clips as well as a load of white push pins and then a number of moulded grips along the outer edge that all seem to play a part. I just don't want to snap anything attempting it until someone who's already tried it lets me know what to do

[TRunX]

It must come appart. They wouldn't expect you to replace the whole unit if a bulb died.

[rents1977]

TrunX I'd have thought they were LEDs rather than conventional bulbs, and in theory your car is gonna give up long before an LED does...

Of course I may well be wrong!!

[corsol]

TrunX I'd have thought they were LEDs rather than conventional bulbs, and in theory your car is gonna give up long before an LED does...

Of course I may well be wrong!!

I don´t think the LED(or conventional bulbs) are inside.

I think there are cold catodes(CCFL)-->some kind of fluorescent lamp(only in LEXUS & Toyota !), usually used in LCD displays.

[rents1977]

TrunX I'd have thought they were LEDs rather than conventional bulbs, and in theory your car is gonna give up long before an LED does...

Of course I may well be wrong!!

I don´t think the LED(or conventional bulbs) are inside.

I think there are cold catodes(CCFL)-->some kind of fluorescent lamp(only in LEXUS & Toyota !), usually used in LCD displays.

Yeah cold cathodes would work for illuminating the whole panel, but there'd still need to be a point source of light for the dials, and things like the low fuel warning light. Could be EL sheets, or LEDs or whatever.

[DaveSR]

Yep there's no bulbs/LEDs in there - perhaps you could get some coloured film?

[corsol]

TrunX I'd have thought they were LEDs rather than conventional bulbs, and in theory your car is gonna give up long before an LED does...

Of course I may well be wrong!!

I don´t think the LED(or conventional bulbs) are inside.

I think there are cold catodes(CCFL)-->some kind of fluorescent lamp(only in LEXUS & Toyota !), usually used in LCD displays.

Yeah cold cathodes would work for illuminating the whole panel, but there'd still need to be a point source of light for the dials, and things like the low fuel warning light. Could be EL sheets, or LEDs or whatever.

I agree for warning lights(fuel, oil, engine,...), ....but for dials.........are U sure?

[caen fred]

hmmmmm! Having white dials WITH a red tacho sound good to me

[acidman]

there are plenty (about 20-30) SMD-LED's in it ! Happy soldering :D

[sinisar]

Hi MiniMarc,

did you have any luck opening the panel?

If so, could you answer your own question about how you did it?

I need to check side light indicator (which is working sometimes, depending on the outside temperature).

thanks

[MarcTS]

Hi MiniMarc,

did you have any luck opening the panel?

If so, could you answer your own question about how you did it?

I need to check side light indicator (which is working sometimes, depending on the outside temperature).

thanks

Unfortunately it got to the point where I felt like the plastic housing was about to crack, so I backed off and put it back in the car. I am still very interested in working out how to get inside it, but haven't had any luck yet. :'(