HELP Centre top dash panel removal?

[Dazza]

Hi all,

trying to changing my headunit at the moment, was following the guide that is stickied at on this subforum. I've got all the front clips released, so the panel is lifted at the front, but I still can't get the top panel off, it feels like it's held by so other clips or a screwed.

I shined a torch in the gap and I can see a clip in the middle of the panel, but that seems to be released as well. Judging by the flex of the panel there seems to be something after the first of the clips on the side holding it down, but I can't see anything between the gap or feeling anything from the underside.

I've got a Colt Plus, but I assume the dash is exactly the same? it sure looks it.

[27AME]

Sounds the same, after reading about it on these forums I actually tried to take the top panel off aswell. Looks like I got to the same stage as you. I took the top panel off so the front was hanging up, but I didn't bother trying to take it all off because the back part was well and truly stiff and I didn't want to snap it.

So I'd like to know too! BTW, I'm talking about the Ralliart Version (The best one :p)

[lovecolt]

Colt plus and Ralliart Colt has the exact same interior. Me too, are struck with the windscreen end. But by having the first half up, its enough for me to unbolt the front dash for headunit change.....although i admit there's barely enough space to put my tools in to unbolt it.

[Macca]

i got it off fine, there the front clips and some other clips on the side, i used a door trim removal took up the sides to pry it off (with a rag on it)

[Dazza]

For anyone that has got off the whole panel, how many clips are there on the sides and the back? is it 2 on each side and 2 on the back? Which way do they catch? inwards or outwards? If someone could post higher res pics of the top panel cover, it'd be great

Might have to try one of those trim removal tools, and maybe a hairdryer.

[Rdster]

If someone could post higher res pics of the top panel cover, it'd be great


Here you go.

[Dazza]

Thanks Rdster, that pic helped to let me know where to force it.

Finally got off the top panel, it's just needed more force!! I swear I felt like I was going to break it at times, sure worked up a sweat :)

Now that I've got it off I'm wondering if I should replace it with the optional tray instead.

Going to get a harness adaptor tomorrow for the headunit.

Anyone know what that spare plug that is strapped up to the same wires as the headunit is for? has 2 wires connected to it, a brown and a black.

[lovecolt]

Go for optional tray ;) Might as well make use of the space there....unless you really plan to play poker on top of it sometime :D

Where are you located Dazza? I don't think aus can obtain the optional tray.

[Corosith]

Hey Dazza

that extra cable that is taped up to the main stereo loom is the auxillary input I believe (see front of stereo for aux label in white on right hand side below the "AM" button). This should allow you to connect up an MP3 player or something similar!:)

See pic, is this what you are asking about? Another bit of info, the stereo is made by Fujitsu Ten (usually pretty high end stuff).

Cheers
Chris

[Rdster]

Go for optional tray

Any idea on part number or price?

[lovecolt]

Any idea on part number or price?

http://dc3.ipbhost.com/uploads/post-1908-1169477308_thumb.jpg

Part Number: MZ520625EX (from Mitsubishi in Singapore, not sure if Aus use the same or not). Singapore guys got it for around 80 bucks. After currency conversion, it might be around 65 - 70+ AUD

Possible use of the tray:
http://usera.imagecave.com/weihui/1DIN_dome/1DINdome.jpg

[Macca]

i like that

[Rdster]

Part Number: MZ520625EX (from Mitsubishi in Singapore, not sure if Aus use the same or not). Singapore guys got it for around 80 bucks. After currency conversion, it might be around 65 - 70+ AUD

I tried ordering the part through the local Mitsi dealer, but alas,not on file...

Would any of the Singapore members be able to help out?

[lovecolt]

That can be arranged.

[Dazza]

I'm in New Zealand, the stock headunit we get here isn't great at all, some rebadged thing made and designed in Korea. Once I put in my pioneer, the sound was completely different, even with all EQ and sound adjustments set to none or flat.

I was planning on changing the speakers but now I find I don't really need to, all they really need IMO is a little bit of modification for the bass muddiness, like damping the baskets and deading the plastic door panels (I'm into a bit of DIY hifi stuff)

I found out from a Japanese site that the plug which is the one further up the harness is for navigation features

Yeah I rung up Mitsubishi here, sounds like they normally don't do the tray either, but still might be able to do it ex-Japan. They're checking it out for me at the moment. Found out that in Japan they sometimes install a popup LCD there too, that would be pretty sweet, though probably illegal here, unless I wired it into the parking sensor or handbrake.

[Mobydisc]

We are thinking about buying a Ralliart Colt. Do you think if we asked the dealer to get that auxilery cable out and put it in the glove box they would do it? That tray looks alot handier than having a big curved piece of plastic under the windscreen.

[Corosith]

We are thinking about buying a Ralliart Colt. Do you think if we asked the dealer to get that auxilery cable out and put it in the glove box they would do it? That tray looks alot handier than having a big curved piece of plastic under the windscreen.

I think the dealer would be more than happy to do that for you, after all what is the point of having an aux plug if you can't use it? Some of the guys got their dealer to remove it whilst the colt was in being serviced or for the 1500km check - if you know how to properly pull the dash apart, it doesn't really take that long. You could ask them to do it pre-delivery, may suit you best.

[Macca]

The charge $60 for it, its listed as an accessory, i saw it on the dealers price list when i bought my car. ( You do need a cable for it, nothing $10 at jaycar cant solve.)

If you dont want to DIY, just PM a member that lives near you and they would help you out.

[coastycolt]

Can anyone tell me what the little red plastic button on the centre dash near the windscreen is for? May be a silly question, but I have no idea.

[Macca]

Its not a button, its acctully NOTHING!!!!

There is a lil red plastic filler in there, i guess it was designed for some sort of sensor. would fit a 10mm LED well thou.

[lovecolt]

The initial idea of that, is for you to put a small led security bulb. Those that keep flashing to tell others that the car's alarmed.

[Steve-B]

also regarding the aux sensor for the ipod headunit connector, when i got the car serviced, they pulled it and made a nice little install under the headunit in the tray.

[Dazza]

I got my local Mitsubishi to order in that centre dash cover tray like Lovecolt showed a picure of, it was that model number and they had already order some for people before. It cost me $79.95 NZD

Was far easier installing it than taking the old one out. Used it the other day to defrost some fishing bait :P

[aby82]

Its not a button, its acctully NOTHING!!!!

There is a lil red plastic filler in there, i guess it was designed for some sort of sensor. would fit a 10mm LED well thou.

i thought it was the temp sensor the air-con.. is that def not the case macca?