Replacing the LCD Clock in a Mk2
Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2014 11:06 pm
Today I finally got around to replacing the bleed out LCD clock in my 87 Scala. This is a fairly common problem in 80's cars and I think i've been in more 80's VWs with a broken clock than a clear one. There are a few write ups about removing the gauges but couldn't find anything on just replacing the clock so thought I would take a few pictures incase anyone else needed the info.
So this was the sorry state of my clock before I started.
The haynes manual has a pretty good write up for removing the cluster...But incase you don't have one. Remove the two screws at the top of the binnacle and remove it. You'll then see one phillips head screw at the top of the cluster in the middle. Now I believe the haynes manual tells you to remove your steering wheel (You don't need to do this, as long as the wheel is centred, the cluster will fit through the gap fine). It's a good idea to remove the shelf and the covering from the steering column, It'll really help you get to the power, gauge and techo connectors from behind the cluster, the cables are not long enough to remove the cluster still connected. Once out you'll have something like this:
This is my donor clusrer from an 83 GL (Notice the vacuum connector for the MPG gauge in the centre)
Unscrew all of the phillips head screws from the back of the cluster, You'll also need to remove the two bulbs from the top, the clock bulb and all other nuts and connections can stay in place.
The plastic should now separate from the back without issue. Now we have access to the clock.
There are two flat head screws that you'll need to remove and the whole clock assembly will lift out, You may need to pull the white plastic housing to the side and wiggle it loose. The clock has two clear plastic clips ether side.
Out with the old
Assembly is the same in reverse.
And viola!
A couple of notes, Make sure all of the connections are secure and working before putting everything back together. In my rush I did forget a bulb so now i'm looking at this:
I hope this helps someone else out...I held of doing this as I expected the clock to be soldered in.
So this was the sorry state of my clock before I started.
The haynes manual has a pretty good write up for removing the cluster...But incase you don't have one. Remove the two screws at the top of the binnacle and remove it. You'll then see one phillips head screw at the top of the cluster in the middle. Now I believe the haynes manual tells you to remove your steering wheel (You don't need to do this, as long as the wheel is centred, the cluster will fit through the gap fine). It's a good idea to remove the shelf and the covering from the steering column, It'll really help you get to the power, gauge and techo connectors from behind the cluster, the cables are not long enough to remove the cluster still connected. Once out you'll have something like this:
This is my donor clusrer from an 83 GL (Notice the vacuum connector for the MPG gauge in the centre)
Unscrew all of the phillips head screws from the back of the cluster, You'll also need to remove the two bulbs from the top, the clock bulb and all other nuts and connections can stay in place.
The plastic should now separate from the back without issue. Now we have access to the clock.
There are two flat head screws that you'll need to remove and the whole clock assembly will lift out, You may need to pull the white plastic housing to the side and wiggle it loose. The clock has two clear plastic clips ether side.
Out with the old
Assembly is the same in reverse.
And viola!
A couple of notes, Make sure all of the connections are secure and working before putting everything back together. In my rush I did forget a bulb so now i'm looking at this:
I hope this helps someone else out...I held of doing this as I expected the clock to be soldered in.
