Dash Pad removal
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,453
Likes: 347
From: SC
Dash Pad removal
I need to get to the courtesy light relay on my 87. Is removing the dash pad the easiest way to gain access to it? Is it somewhat easy to remove and how would I go about it?
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
My '88 FSM shows the Courtesy Light Delay Timer to to be a rectangular box strapped to a large wire bundle that runs behind the I/P to the right of and near the multi-use center.
It's not clear if that large wire bundle is accessable from the top.
I think I'd drop the RH hush panel and feel around to see if I could locate the bundle.
To remove the dash pad it looks like just a series of screws along the front edge, four screws in the defroster vents and maybe the two A-pillar trim pieces need to be removed.
It's not clear if that large wire bundle is accessable from the top.
I think I'd drop the RH hush panel and feel around to see if I could locate the bundle.
To remove the dash pad it looks like just a series of screws along the front edge, four screws in the defroster vents and maybe the two A-pillar trim pieces need to be removed.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,453
Likes: 347
From: SC
I went ahead and removed the dash this afternoon. Not a problem, however I could see the relay taped to the wire harness but it looked impossible to get to from the top. Can't imagine how one could get to it from the bottom to be able to work on it. Just looks like a PITA!
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
You can only get to it from the bottom. As Dan says, removing the ECM box will allow you to better get to it. Once you get your hand on it, just use your finger nail to try to cut through the masking tape that is holding the relay to the wiring harness. Then just grab it and pull it off of the harness. Once you get it off you can pull it down to where you can get two hands on it. Then unplug it and remove it.The new relay is a simple plug in. Once its plugged in just push it back up out of the way. Don't try to re-tape it to the harness - ITS IMPOSSIBLE. The 1st generation relays were black; the 2nd generation were a cream color; either one will work. Here is a photo of what the relay looks like.
It took me over two months, off & on, to get mine out. Good luck !
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,322
Likes: 249
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
No. It's mounted in a slot and held in with two 10mm screws. Remove the screws and slide the ECM down and out. If you have electronic HVAC, you will probably have to unplug the connector to temp door motor.
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Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,384
Likes: 124
From: Reno/Sparks Nevada
Once you get it down so you can work on it, you can bypass the relay by just removing the relay from the connector and shorting the white wires together. You won't have a delay anymore but you won't have to buy an expensive relay either. I'm sure most of us can live without the delay feature. Basically, the lights will go on and off when you open and close the door.
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