OK... uncle. How do I remove a Vanagon instrument cluster?

vincebodie

I need to service the headlight switch on mom's '86 Vanagon, and I can't for the life of me find instructions on how to get the switch out. The bezel around the instrument cluster seems to just snap in place, but something on the right side is hanging up when I try to just pull on it, and I don't want to break anything.

I'm sure the answer to this is going to be really simple...
_________________
'86 Vanagon Westy
'94 BMW E32 740i

"A man is none the less a slave
because he is allowed to choose
a new master once in a term of years."

-- Lysander Spooner

peaceful warrior · Posted: Tue May 04, 2010 5:01 pm Post subject:

Grab the cover at the front, near the windshield and lift. It should just lift up fairly easily. Is it hanging up near the front or rear of the housing? If it's towards the rear it may just be catching on a wire harness.
Do this all gently.

The switch has two clips on the side that need to be pressed in to remove the switch. It will be apparent once you remove the housing.
_________________
"Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." Albert Einstein
"Notchboy" says "Man up!"
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66 13W Deluxe, 68 Westfalia, 87 Syncro.
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Brian

vincebodie · Posted: Tue May 04, 2010 6:05 pm Post subject:

It's hanging up near the front, nearest the windshield, on the right side (the side nearest the center of the car). I guess I will try again. I just hate to break anything, and last time I tried I pulled so hard it seemed to be near the breaking point.
_________________
'86 Vanagon Westy
'94 BMW E32 740i

"A man is none the less a slave
because he is allowed to choose
a new master once in a term of years."

-- Lysander Spooner

izzydog · Samba Member Joined: April 28, 2005 Posts: 666

There are two small "finger holds" on the forward edge of the cover (nearest the windshield). If you put a few fingers in those and pull forward, it will pop off. They are cheap enough if you happen to break it. I see them in the Samba classifieds for $10 or $15 fairly frequently. Just yank - you won't break it. Wink

BushChicken · Posted: Tue May 04, 2010 7:27 pm Post subject:

Push forward on the bottom front corner (when I say front I mean the face of the cluster) of the cover as you pull up on the "finger holds".

You can even give it a 'light whack' on that front bottom corner to help it pop up. Works every time.

Jteerlink · Samba Member Joined: February 18, 2007 Posts: 167

I've taken the cover off a few times, and mine always sticks on the right side. The previous post is right, a "light whack" on the side does the trick for me. But go slow, if one of the two tabs break... Sad

vincebodie · Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 2:35 am Post subject:

Various whacks with the palm of the hand did the trick. Putting the bezel back on was almost too easy, and now it doesn't seem nearly as tight. I just hope there aren't any new squeaks.

As for the light switch, taking it apart, cleaning out the grease that had turned to insulating mud, and replacing it with some dielectric grease fixed the lighting problem.

Now on to other regularly scheduled maintenance...
_________________
'86 Vanagon Westy
'94 BMW E32 740i

"A man is none the less a slave
because he is allowed to choose
a new master once in a term of years."

-- Lysander Spooner


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