How to REMOVE AND INSTALL the INSTRUMENT CLUSTER from a 1998 Porsche Boxster

[@David-dt2md]

Thank you for ALL of these videos on the Boxster - they have been invaluable to me and my Boxster. This is the first video I have felt any need to add to... So, just a few things that may be helpful to others. 1. if you don't have one of those whatsitwhoseit's that magnetizes tools, or a magnetic set of torx drivers, get an extendible magnet. It will help get the screw behind the left cover out when it inevitably drops after it is loose. 2. When you put that same screw back in, use tape to tape it to the torx driver. It only has to hold it tight enough to start it. You may get annoyed enough to go buy one of those whatsitwhoseit's! 3. Unless you feel like ordering a new hazard switch and waiting for it to show up at your door, do NOT pull on any part of the switch, AT ALL without getting it started! The video was not clear about the hazard switch. The easiest way to remove it is to gently use two small screwdrivers to depress the two black tabs on the left and right of the switch from the front, and on the back on the open side of the switch holder there is a cut out exposing the side of the switch. Use a small flat head screwdriver and with some force push into the switch and begin to push it out. Once the tabs clear the front face of the gauge pod you can then use your fingers to gently pull it the rest of the way out. I had to drive around for a week with an open switch space where my hazard switch belonged because I tried to pull the switch out with the tabs depressed but without any other preparation. If you are like me, that was a week of mental torture, on par with the best the CIA can devise. Everything else in the video worked perfectly for me. Thanks again for this, and all of your other videos!

[@HelpMeDIY]

+David you’re welcome and thanks for all the detailed extra info

[@David-dt2md]

I'm sorry to keep jamming up your video, but since I had to remove my instrument cluster a second time (hey, thanks to this video it isn't hard) I thought I'd share two more things. 1. I used painter's tape to line the dash under the gauges package. The little tabs on the bottom put "indents" in the leathere that were nearly impossible to get out I finally had to get the leather soaked and then knead it while I dried it. I had to redye one small scuff it made too. Trust me, if you have the leather option just lay down a layer of painter's tape even if you think you don't need it. It takes 10 seconds and is cheap insurance. 2. If all you need is the cluster itself, save yourself a headache and ignore the hazard switch. The wiring harness on the hazard switch is long enough that you can 'roll over" the entire thing after you disconnect the three connectors on the cluster without removing the switch and simply take out the two torx screws on the left and right (the ones being removed starting at 4:17) holding in the cluster. Okay, that is all. Carry on. Oh, and thanks one more time for all the very helpful videos!

[@HelpMeDIY]

@@David-dt2md any time!

[@briansturgill5905]

Awesome video man! Just installed my white gauges thanks to your video! Helped so much!

[@HelpMeDIY]

+Brian Sturgill thanks for the comment. Always glad to help! 🍻

[@8spokewheel]

Thank you for taking the time to post this, very helpful.

[@HelpMeDIY]

+Alex Winiecke you’re welcome, thanks for the kind words!

[@DrChem-wx1uc]

Thanks for a great vid - just what I needed to know for bulb replacement!

[@HelpMeDIY]

+Dr. Chem you’re very welcome. Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@nickvitobovino3486]

Nice work thanks for sharing. Any idea if it’s possible to convert the tachometer to accept a 4 cylinder engine? Thank you

[@HelpMeDIY]

+Nick Vito Bovino I don’t know, sorry

[@DWKCGaming]

getting that last screw in without a magnetic screw driver has gotta be the hardest thing i’ve ever done on that car

[@HelpMeDIY]

+josh adams definitely makes it much easier!

[@briansturgill5905]

Same dropped it like 3 times. Finally got it!

[@andymendez7710]

did you happen to notice if the lights on/seat belt warning chime is built into the cluster? my chime doesn't work and i read somewhere that it was in there. thanks

[@HelpMeDIY]

+Andy Mendez great question but 🤷‍♂️. Report back and tell us if you find out!

[@theXbaT1]

Did you fix it?

[@HelpMeDIY]

+TheXbaT there was a broken plastic piece on the back I replaced.

[@peter3791]

ja OK, aber wozu war das ganze gut ???