M30 - How difficult is replacing instrument panel ?

[bang4dabuck]

My speedo went out and I got a used cluster off EBAY. Is it worth me doing or just get a shade tree mechanic to do it ? What are the main steps ? Any way to change the panel light color ?

[nosaint]

never done it on a J but have on a few other cars. Usually pretty easy, remove the trim, 4 bolts or so and then a couple of wire connectors on back. Should be a half an hour.

As for the color. Use LED bulbs in color of choice.

[Gerardjg]

it is fairly easy 2 Phillips head screws on the black bezel-- Look up in the corners with a flash light you will see them, Once you get the black plastic trim off
there are three more screws holding the cluster one center top and 2 on the bottom. Take those out and slowly pull it forward and disconnect the 3 connectors (maybe 2 maybe 4 ).
Now install the replacement , legally you have to notate the difference in mileage not sure where I wrote under my hood with a sharpie.

Make sure you have the correct replacement unit there are 2 different types, the location of the trip meter is how you tell the difference.

[yodawill2000]

Just to Clarify guys.
He has a "M"30.

[Gerardjg]

Did not even notice that

[ttinfinitiM30]

the whole black trim has to come off. the climate control unit stays in place. i think you need to remove the trim around the radio first, not sure tho, its been a while since ive been around my car. the steering wheel dosnt need to come off but it makes it easier. theres about 5 screws on the top of the trim above the cluster, and about 4 or 6 at the bottom of the trim. all the buttons and switches need to be unplugged. once the trim is out theres about 4 screws that hold the cluster down. in the end theres alot of screws and plugs to be dissconnected. but could be done in about 1 hour if your good with this stuff. good luck however you do it.

if i remember right the color is apart of the lens and you may not be able to change that with just bulb condoms or bulbs.
oh not sure if you know this but the 90 M30 is cable driven speedo. the 91-92 is electric. just fyi incase you didnt know.

[bang4dabuck]

Thanks for all the info. Did not know that about the 90 vs 91-92 models. I don't see any place for a cable to go so I think I'm OK there. I think it is part number F6601. I bought it last fall and can't remember the description. I also need to replace climate control and maybe switch out my tuner so It seems like I will try. I only see 2 plugs and you said 11 screws and maybe a few screws around stereo set up so not too bad. I don't plan on pulling steering wheel though.

[ttinfinitiM30]

the pic is just reference the black trim is still on in the pic. theres probly about 10 plugs for all the switches and buttons that need to be disconnected after you remove the screws for the trim. they are not all easy to see or unplug but it is posible. good luck with the operation. F31club.com is a forum dedicated to the M30 theres loads more info there about the whole car, not many members that are active but it can be a great help when working on it. search for climate control there cause many ppl have had theres crap out and theres been much talk about it.