Bug in Instrument cluster

[lonekazoo]

And I'm talking about a literal bug here, not a defect in software.

I apologize for posting about what seems like a trivial matter, but yesterday a big ugly Earwig climbed into the area between the LCD and the plastic lens on the instrument cluster on my '08 C14.  He squirmed around in there all day, and I figured he would find his way out, but unfortunately he's expired in there.  Talk about an ugly thing to have stuck in there.

Before I crack this thing open, has anyone successfully taken this apart without causing damage?

Thanks!

[gPink]

We've got to have pics!

[lonekazoo]

We've got to have pics!

This is before he expired.  For a while I had my own little bug observatory.  He ran all over the place in there.

[Shoe]

Now I know what an Earwig looks like. I don't have the answer on how to open it up, but I am sure someone has the answer. Don't be impatient because you could mess it up.

[ZG]

 

That would bug me... 

[maxtog]

This is before he expired.  For a while I had my own little bug observatory.  He ran all over the place in there.

That is just nasty.  I hate earwigs.  For some reason, there are TONS of those things all around the outside of my house and they do get inside.  I tried putting earwig bait/poison out several times but never seems to make any difference.

Amazing it got in there.  Sorry, I have no suggestions, since I have not taken the dash apart before.  But I can sympathize, having that in there would really drive me crazy.

[VirginiaJim]

Highly focused laser beam, perhaps?

Drone Shot Down With Laser Beam 2013 HD

Might have to dial it down just a tad for the earwig, methinks.

[B.D.F.]

Yes, you can open the instrument panel and pick the bug(s) out. Do a search on changing the instrument cluster LED color and you should find a detailed description on how to remove the cluster and open it up. Also, as the lens on the cluster is replaceable, the R & R portion should be covered in the service manual.

I hope you do understand that it was the infinite and wonderful power of KiPass that killed the bug in the first place. I am surprised KiPass even let it get into the instrument cluster. Perhaps the battery in your fob needs changing?

First the Aiken Relay Calculator and now a C-14 instrument panel- the bugs are out of control I tells' ya'.

Brian

This is before he expired.  For a while I had my own little bug observatory.  He ran all over the place in there.

[gPink]

That is just nasty.  I hate earwigs.  For some reason, there are TONS of those things all around the outside of my house and they do get inside.  I tried putting earwig bait/poison out several times but never seems to make any difference.

Did you try earplugs?

[ZG]

Did you try earplugs?

 

[Conrad]

That is just nasty.  I hate earwigs.  For some reason, there are TONS of those things all around the outside of my house and they do get inside.  I tried putting earwig bait/poison out several times but never seems to make any difference.

Amazing it got in there.  Sorry, I have no suggestions, since I have not taken the dash apart before.  But I can sympathize, having that in there would really drive me crazy.

Did you try earplugs?

We have tons of those damn bugs around here too! I did try the earplugs once but it's almost impossible to get those bugs to hold still long enough to get 'em in! 

[Rhino]

Highly focused laser beam, perhaps?

Drone Shot Down With Laser Beam 2013 HD

Might have to dial it down just a tad for the earwig, methinks.

Ok now I want to know what the flying wing thing was.

[Gumby]

That would bug me... 

Drum roll, ching... He'll be here all week folks, please tip your waiters and waitresses. 

[ZG]

Drum roll, ching... He'll be here all week folks, please tip your waiters and waitresses. 

 

[lonekazoo]

Yes, you can open the instrument panel and pick the bug(s) out. Do a search on changing the instrument cluster LED color and you should find a detailed description on how to remove the cluster and open it up. Also, as the lens on the cluster is replaceable, the R & R portion should be covered in the service manual.

I hope you do understand that it was the infinite and wonderful power of KiPass that killed the bug in the first place. I am surprised KiPass even let it get into the instrument cluster. Perhaps the battery in your fob needs changing?

First the Aiken Relay Calculator and now a C-14 instrument panel- the bugs are out of control I tells' ya'.

Brian

Thanks!
Unfortunately, I'm not having much luck finding any threads on getting in there, though I have found some describing in detail how to remove the cluster.  I'll keep looking, If you happen to find something, i'd be interested to see it.

It's so disgusting having the earwig carcass in there, I'm considering having an exterminator put a tent over the bike just to make sure it doesn't happen again.  Maybe it would also kill the butterflies that I keep hearing about that so many people are always trying to get rid of...   

[gPink]

Just don't contaminate the roaches.

[B.D.F.]

It is detailed in the service manual, starting on pages 16-75. Both removal and disassembly of the instrument cluster.

Brian

Thanks!
Unfortunately, I'm not having much luck finding any threads on getting in there, though I have found some describing in detail how to remove the cluster.  I'll keep looking, If you happen to find something, i'd be interested to see it.

It's so disgusting having the earwig carcass in there, I'm considering having an exterminator put a tent over the bike just to make sure it doesn't happen again.  Maybe it would also kill the butterflies that I keep hearing about that so many people are always trying to get rid of...   

[lonekazoo]

It is detailed in the service manual, starting on pages 16-75. Both removal and disassembly of the instrument cluster.

Brian

Thank you!  I've gone through the manual in PDF form, but I missed that section.    As you said, the exact process is described in detail.

[firehawk618]

I used to do FiOS fiber optic installs and when we'd open up our hubs to connect the appropriate jumpers it was very common for the door frame to have dozens of those things.  Open the door and they all go scurrying all over the place.  If you're fast and slam the door shut the next guy that opens the door will have a bunch of flat earwigs all over the door frame.  lol

To the OP, have fun getting that outta there.