355 Dash Removal

The SRS/AIRBAG system does a self test every start. So if you disconnect them with the
key off and reinstall them with the key off there should be no error.

I would consider disconnecting the battery prior to dash removal or at min. the SRS fuse and or relays. They are equipped with capacitors that serve as little batteries to fire the
airbag in the event the battery is damaged on impact. Then let sit for 10-15 min for them to de-energize prior to disconnecting.

David

 

Hi. I was reading thru the threads 0n dash removal because I need mine rewrapped also. I was just wondering if you completed this project. And if so. How did it go? Thanks...

 

Is disconnecting the battery required or can it just be switched off inside the fender access cover? Is switching hte battery off the same as disconnecting it?

 

I know the battery has to be disconnected or you will get airbag lights coming on. Do you know of a link for instructions on dash removal for 355? Thanks

 

I used Jay's instructions which gave me the confidence to go ahead otherwise I would have been too scared to do it.

I left the steering wheel in place the whole time. All the connectors are different so there is no need to mark them. The only ones that need to be marked are the right side and left side of the instrument cluster.

The most difficult part are the screws that connect the upper dash to the lower dash. I used one of those long flex screwdrivers but that was the major PITA both to remove and to reinstall but it can be done. Also, under the instrument cluster, there are 2 rivets that you'll need to break. I then used 2 little bolts when reassembling. You should also consider changing/upgrading the tweeter speakers since you're removing the dash.

Jay's thread is here and was very useful to me:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/348-355/319220-355-dash-leather-sticky-parts-refurb.html

I also have a thread here which explains what I've done (check posts 188 to 234):

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/348-355/341922-my-355-mini-restoration-story-10.html

 

Thank you. I just didn't want to get into it and then find myself having to trailer my car off somewhere to be completed. Or worse, having manhandled the dash out. With no clue and/or pieces to reinstall.

 

Got to replace three of the warning light bulbs at the bottom of my 355 dash, which are burned out. The threads on dash removal are old and can't be found. Any advice on how to get to the bulbs? I assume the cluster has to come out. Help!

 

There are only 2 screws at the bottom of the binnacle that hold it in. Then you push it back and up to clear the top locking tab at the upper edge of the dash and binnacle.

Then it’s a matter of carefully unclipping the wiring harness to the dash meters. They are all different plugs so can’t mess it up when reinstalling, and they all have a locking tab you need to fumble with to release them.

 

Use a #2 phillips screwdriver wrapped in tape( to protect the leather). Protect the plastic shroud around the steering column and the leather onthe dash with towels or something similar. You may need to reposition the column up/down during the removal/install. The hard part can be reinstalling the screws. You either get it first time or it takes half an hour. Protect the wiring from the self-tapping screws.

Depending on when the binnacle was last removed, the instrument plugs may offer a lot of resistance. Unfortunately, they have delicate ribbon ribbon type wiring. As they say, be gentle but firm

Do you know which bulbs aren't working? The lamps are powered by different power sources.

 

Put a large towel on the dash between the pod and windshield.
Lower the steering column all the way down.
Take the plastic cowling / cover off the steering column and place a towel there as well.

Remove the two Philips screws from the pod
Lift the bottom the pod until it "unhooks" at the top and let it come forward.

Handle the plastic clips carefully.

There is no need to number the connections as each is unique to the connector.

Reverse to re-install.

OH! Turn the battery disconnect off before you start.

 

Is it wrong that I still have my old 12 volt train transformer around so I can test bulbs, relays and other car electric parts? haha

 

Very important if you have an airbag. You will need a dealer SD1 tool to reset the airbag light if you make the mistake of turning on the ignition with the binnacle wiring not fully connected.

Great idea. Not sure if it would handle the high current stuff though (water pumps, some actuators, etc, in-situ).

 

No it means you had a good childhood and were wise to realize that you had valuable life tools in your hands.

 

You don’t need to disconnect the wiring to access the binnacle lights; and I would not recommend it.

if you can’t twist the binnacle enough; you can unscrew the dash from the binnacle; there are four screws, one in each corner, that should give you enough room to then get at the back of the binnacle.

(I’ve done the above to re leather the dash and yo replace a bulb.)

 

Thank you very much.