Removing Early 944 Gauges

Introduction

One of the most difficult steps when removing the gauges on an early 944 is disconnecting the speedometer cable from the back of the speedometer. The gauge cluster must be slid out far enough to reach behind it and unscrew the cable fitting. Pushing all slack in the speedometer cable from the engine compartment through the firewall into the passenger compartment may allow sufficient movement. If not, the turn signal assembly must be removed to create the necessary clearance.

Tools

• Phillips head screwdriver
• 24 mm socket (or 15/16") and ratchet
• Scribe, paint pen, or brightly colored nail polish

Procedure

1. Remove the horn button from the steering wheel and disconnect the electrical spade connector on the back of the horn button.

2. Using a 24 mm (or 15/16") socket and ratchet, remove the steering wheel retaining nut and washer.

3. Using a scribe, paint pen, or nail polish, mark the orientation of the steering wheel relative to the end of the steering shaft. This mark simplifies reinstallation.

4. Pull the steering wheel off the steering shaft.

5. Remove the two Phillips head screws located in the outer gauge pods.

6. In the engine compartment, locate the speedometer cable and push as much of the slack through the firewall into the passenger compartment as possible.

7. Slide the gauge assembly as far out as possible, reach behind it, and unscrew the speedometer cable.

8. If the gauges will not slide out enough to reach the speedometer cable, remove the turn signal switch assembly:

   a. Remove the two screws holding the upper and lower steering column covers and remove the covers. The lower cover comes off easily; the upper requires some wiggling. Handle these carefully as they are easily cracked. b. Disconnect the electrical connectors for the turn signal switch assembly. c. Remove the three screws from the face of the turn signal switch assembly and remove the assembly from the steering shaft. d. With the turn signal assembly removed, one side of the gauge cluster can be moved out far enough to reach behind and unscrew the speedometer cable.

9. Once the speedometer cable is disconnected, slide the gauges out far enough to disconnect all wires from the back, then remove the cluster from the dash.

10. Individual gauges can be removed from the cluster by pushing them from the back of the cluster out the front.

11. Installation is the reverse of removal.