Originally Posted by
turbo pete
Final edit???
One more thing. anyone got any pics of the dash. Labelled would be even better.
Removal and Re-soldering of Dry Joints on the S13 Dashboard.
Written by Kevs 200sx edited by Turbo Pete
Safety first
When working on electrics you should always disconnect the battery to avoid earthing delicate electronic components.
You will need
posidrive screwdrivers
soldering iron.
Removal of dash
1. Open door and remove sill plate held down with plastic screws (Try to use the best fitting screwdriver as the screws are easily chewed).
2. Remove the kick panel with fuse cover it has 1 plastic screw in line with the sill plate half way up the door frame, 1 screw at the back beside the accelerator and one screw that is sunk in slightly at the front, then wiggle it out.
3. Using a large pozidrive screwdriver remove all 7 screws from the bottom panel (the one with the bonnet pull). There are 2 at the front left, 1 at rear left, 3 at front right and one at rear right which is now exposed by removing the kick panel with the fuse cover.
4. Remove the two screws holding the bonnet pull on and remove the panel. ( If you prefer you can leave this attached. It just means you won't be able to remove the panel).
5. Pull down the steering wheel height adjuster and leave it at its lowest position.
6. Remove the two screws inserted diagonally upwards securing the top of the dash cover.
7. Unclip the bottom of the dash cover and pull forward slightly.
8. Now either reach in behind and push out all the switches (hazards, demister, pop-ups, fogs, dimmer and rear wash wipe) or just grab them and pull, they won't break.
9. Disconnect them from there wiring by the small clips on the back of each of the connectors. Don't worry, the connectors are idiot proof, i.e. u can't re-connect them to the wrong switch.
The order is
top left- hazards
bottom left- demister
top right- pop-ups
bottom right- fog lights
left middle- wash wipe
right middle- dash dimmer
10. Remove the top cowl of the steering column. It has 4 screws and the last one is only accessible if the steering wheel height adjuster is down. When all screws are removed the top cowl should unclip. You will probably find that you will have to take out the keys from the ignition and catch the small plastic dust cover that covers the barrel.
11. Now remove the dash cover by pulling it down towards the ignition, this will free it from the top of the dash, and it should just wiggle out after that.
12. You are now looking at the dash board unit.
13. Remove the three screws that face you, one at the top and one on either side at the bottom.
14. Now pull the dash out slightly and rotate it around a quarter of a turn by pulling the bottom out a bit and pushing the top back. This should allow u to get into the three connector blocks and unplug them by pressing the tab that sticks out on top of them. The one nearest the centre console tends to be stiffer that the other two and also a bit harder to get to (typical).
15. The dash should now be free but you have to take it out very slowly. If it feels as if it is jamming don't force it because you risk breaking the glass (plastic) front. Just rotate it a bit more and pull it out at the corner nearest the door. You should then be able to slide it out between the dash and the steering wheel.
Resoldering
16. Now you have the dash in your hands you will see the ribbon web that connects everything. Remove this around the rev counter and speedo and this should let u see the back of the chips.
17. Look closely at where the chip is soldered in and you will probably see small circles in the silver of the solder. These are called dry joints and they need to be resoldered.
18. If you are not sure how to do this find someone who is, or take it to a TV and video repair place and they will resolder it for you. It is a five minute job so shouldn't cost much.
Refitting
19. Re-fitting is a reverse of removal with the following points to note.
20. When fitting the dash in a bit of wiggling will be required. It usually takes longer to refit than remove.
21. When fitting the dash cover, locate it into the top first then negotiate the bottom. You will find that the small vents on either side of the steering column are a problem, reach up behind the cover as you push it into place and you will be able to guide them into place.
22. That’s it.