LEE1974 1 Posted March 22, 2014 Can anybody here give me the correct info on how to remove the trim that surrounds the clocks? I semi removed it before to fit a replacement choke cable but in the struggle to try and bring it forward a bit I snapped it at a weak point. I couldn't get it pass the steering wheel surround (it was removed) and thus I busted it. I have managed to source a replacement in the silver/grey colour but of course I need to remove the old one. I can just about get my hand around the back of the unit to remove the speedo cable but what other parts do I need to remove so that the entire unit slides forward without getting jammed? Any help is extremely appreciated :rolleyes: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phil_hartland 5 Posted March 22, 2014 Can anybody here give me the correct info on how to remove the trim that surrounds the clocks? I semi removed it before to fit a replacement choke cable but in the struggle to try and bring it forward a bit I snapped it at a weak point. I couldn't get it pass the steering wheel surround (it was removed) and thus I busted it. I have managed to source a replacement in the silver/grey colour but of course I need to remove the old one. I can just about get my hand around the back of the unit to remove the speedo cable but what other parts do I need to remove so that the entire unit slides forward without getting jammed? Any help is extremely appreciated :rolleyes: which model is it.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azcolin 4 Posted March 22, 2014 mk5 ?? two plugs behind the cluster, loosen up the steering column support bolts, if its that tight on the speedo cable l usually disconnect it from the gearbox.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sheffieldcortinacentre 654 Posted March 22, 2014 (edited) after removeing the screws shroud etc remove steering wheel drop column slightly, pull toward you unclip speedo cable, both plugs to clocks, both plugs to hazard/hrw switches & wires to lighter. once remove you'll see clocks are held to surround by 6 screws. its in Haynes manual, got one if required. Edited March 22, 2014 by sheffieldcortinacentre Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LEE1974 1 Posted March 23, 2014 after removeing the screws shroud etc remove steering wheel drop column slightly, pull toward you unclip speedo cable, both plugs to clocks, both plugs to hazard/hrw switches & wires to lighter. once remove you'll see clocks are held to surround by 6 screws. its in Haynes manual, got one if required. What is involved with dropping the column? bolts I'm assuming.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bortaf 86 Posted March 23, 2014 What is involved with dropping the column? bolts I'm assuming.. 2 13mm headed bolts going up through the column bracket into the underdash area, easy to get at with an extension on the ratchet :thumbup: just drop it 1/2 inch or so so that the switchgear mounts on top of the column clear the cut out in the dash surround :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LEE1974 1 Posted March 24, 2014 Nice one thanx for your help : ) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
adamlab4 3 Posted November 20, 2023 Hi, I realise this topic is almost 10 years old but hoping someone may still reply (sorry I am new to forum chats to excuse me if I'm breaking any rules here!) I have recently bought a MK5 1.6GL and found that the dip beam light doesn't work on the instrument panel and also I am guessing a bulb behind the right hand side as it's very dim on that side. I have followed all the instructions in the Haynes manual and compared to the Autobooks workshop manual. The problem that I have is not being able to pull the instrument panel forward past the headlight stalk/switch. I think I may also have to losen the speedo cable at the gearbox end but as it is, I can't even get it forward enough to get a hand around the back, mainly (it seems) because the headlight switch is in the way. Any further help on this beyond what has already been suggested would be much appreciated! Thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John Mack 305 Posted November 20, 2023 3 hours ago, adamlab4 said: I can't even get it forward enough to get a hand around the back, With the bit of fabric-type trim removed that sits between the dash and the pedals, can you get your hand up the back of the dash to free the cable from the speedo....assuming this could be why the clocks won't come forward? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sheffieldcortinacentre 654 Posted November 20, 2023 (edited) As above ,or loosen the 2 column mounting bolts below the dash this will allow the column to drop enough for the dash to come out. The main beam light is removed by twisting the holder, the illumination is two capless bulbs one my have blown or they down darken with age the bulb is same as front sidelight & rear number plt light. You can get led ones but I've found them hit & miss when it comes to being brighter. Edited November 20, 2023 by sheffieldcortinacentre Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
adamlab4 3 Posted November 21, 2023 19 hours ago, adamlab4 said: Hi, I realise this topic is almost 10 years old but hoping someone may still reply (sorry I am new to forum chats to excuse me if I'm breaking any rules here!) I have recently bought a MK5 1.6GL and found that the dip beam light doesn't work on the instrument panel and also I am guessing a bulb behind the right hand side as it's very dim on that side. I have followed all the instructions in the Haynes manual and compared to the Autobooks workshop manual. The problem that I have is not being able to pull the instrument panel forward past the headlight stalk/switch. I think I may also have to losen the speedo cable at the gearbox end but as it is, I can't even get it forward enough to get a hand around the back, mainly (it seems) because the headlight switch is in the way. Any further help on this beyond what has already been suggested would be much appreciated! Thanks. Hi John Mac and sheffieldcortinacentre - thanks very much for taking the time to reply - I'll go an have another bash ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
adamlab4 3 Posted November 21, 2023 Thanks again for the help - success! Have managed to find replacement lamps for the rear illumination. What I can work out though is why when I turn the headlights on, I get no green dip beam light on the dash, but I do get a blue main beam light on the dash. The little bulb from behind the dash does not seem to be blown and would seem to be the bulb for both dipped and main beam. I can't find anything that I understand to shed light on this. Any help would again be much appreciated. I'm not too concerned but if it's an easy fix while the dash is off, it would be good to tackle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John Mack 305 Posted November 21, 2023 2 hours ago, adamlab4 said: ... when I turn the headlights on, I get no green dip beam light on the dash, but I do get a blue main beam light on the dash. The little bulb from behind the dash does not seem to be blown and would seem to be the bulb for both dipped and main beam. ???? There's no warning light for dipped beam, only main beam. Where the (blue) main beam tell-tale light is, next to this are the (red) oil and battery lights and outer ones (green) for indicators. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
adamlab4 3 Posted November 21, 2023 Excellent! Sorry - I only bought the car a few weeks ago so it's my first classic car and first Cortina! Sorry for the stupid questions and thanks again for taking the time to reply :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John Mack 305 Posted November 21, 2023 The only classic you need ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
