dash light wires colour and what plug

[nuttynik]

hi I am fitting a plasma dash and it need to pic up power from the dash lights but I don't no what colour the wires are on the plug and which of the 3 plugged in the back of the dash its located, just need to connect the red live and black neutral into the wires for the original dash lights...


can you help

[andyroo104]

I read that the power is taken from one of the bulbs behind the dash,remove a bulb fit a  wire to each side of the bulb then refit the bulb.It will be a  case of trial and error as to which side for the red or black wire,but let me know as I will be fitting mine soon.

[nuttynik]

yer I thought about doing that but its fiddly

[andyroo104]

I got my dials through a few days ago and set about fitting them last night.

Id class the job as not difficult but fiddly. I did find myself on a few occasions thinking how on earth is this going to fit!

For anyone that is thinking of purchasing a set I can run through the fitting instructions in a little more detail if you want to get in contact.

Id recommend disconnecting the battery before carrying out any electrical work!
Also take pictures of where the needle positions are before you start just in case.


The crooks of it is-.

Put steering wheel in the lowest position

Remove the black cluster pod (this just pops off with a little pull) This will reveal 3 screws which need to be undone.

That will allow the clocks to be pulled forward and reveal 3 plugs which will need to be undone/disconnected.

You will then be allowed to remove the whole dial cluster.

I placed it on a tea towel to stop it getting damaged and to stop it sliding around.

The cluster has a number of clips that need to be popped to allow access to the needles.

Slide a teaspoon or smaller under each side of the temp needle and ease off. Its popped off pretty easy.

I would recommend adding a number of small bits of bluetac (I used some white stuff) around the edge of the existing dials and near the needle bases to help the new dials sit flat.

Once the front cover and temp needle is removed you will be able to start slipping the new dial face over.

This was simple enough; it requires the dial to pass right under the needle base and to be slightly flexed over certain areas. Just take your time and don't try and force it.

The long protruding reset stork requires a little flexing but it all went on fine.

Take the clear cluster and place back on top to make sure the dials are sitting correctly and in line (mine had to be moved down a bit). You can remove the cluster and then press it down at the bluetac points to hold it in place.

Then replace the temp needle. This is probably the most difficult bit to get it back in the right place. Trial and error but is more difficult than just 'popping it back on and off you go'. I need to sort mine tonight. You may need to put the cluster cover back on reconnect everything to the car and try it with the ignition on to make sure it sit right.

Once your happy with it clip the clear cluster cover back on and turn the whole lot over.

Remove the 6-8 screws at the rear to remove the plastic cover. This will allow you to get to the bulbs.

I unscrewed one of the bulb holders by a simple twist and pull. The tiny bulbs aren't that easy to get out of the holder so be careful.

I then fed the dial wire down the bulb holder and each side and placed the bulb back in. Once the bulb holder is screwed back in, everything holds tight and secure. IIRC the red wire sits on the right of the cluster from the rear and the black on the left. (I will come if this is different tonight)

Then screw it back together, put back in the car, re-plug everything and try them.

I'm very impressed with the results. It has its own dimmer and has 2 colour options (Blue and Green) both look pretty good. Really changes the look of the inside of the car and IMO a heap load better.

Ill get some pictures up once ive got my temp needle sorted. I just didn't get chance to make the adjustments last night.
Copied and pasted from Nathan's thread on the plasma dials.

[nuttynik]

yep fitted and look really nice soldered wired onto each side of one of the dash bulb mounts works a treat....

[nuttynik]

plasma dash in and working here is a couple of pics

[Poidster]

Bought the plasma dash,just in the process of fitting it now. Just noticed a schoolboy error I've got a smt ...and there are no cutouts for neutral reverse and gear display. I'm fitting it anyway for now. Question would this cause an mot fail ?