AHHHHHHHHHHHHH. . . I was doing my switch last night and I am having major malfunctions . . . plus I hate electronics haha.

1. I lost a light harness, anyone know where I can get one ?

2. I can't get the HVAC out, i get all the bolts out and everything but it still feels like I am pulling on the cord or controls or something

I have a 03 WRX Thanks

WRX Rush

 

1. Try calling www.subaruparts.com or going to your dealer for an extra light harness. Im sure they burn out sometime so they must have extras.

2. There's no need to actually pull the entire HVAC out... What you're feeling resistance on is the cable system that controls the vent postitions of the AC/HEAT. When you get all the silver faceplates off there should be 4 screws on the actual HVAC controls. Undo JUST THOSE 4 screws and pull the hvac assembly toward you SLIGHTLY. Take off all the *****, then pop off the face of the HVAC by poping the 4 black clips (2 on top & 2 on bottom) with a flat head screwdriver. After you get the black faceplate off you'll have access to the HVAC bulbs.


Eric

 

I'm having a little bit of trouble getting the steering column cover off. I undid the screw, but when I apply force to try to take off the cover it feels like I am going to break it (I broke the plastic trim around the door handles when I was putting in my speakers so I am a bit worried). Where are the clips on the cover? I know that I am going to end up breaking it and have to buy a new piece.

 

There's one screw for the top section and one for the bottom. The steering column clips together too just FYI. The bottom slides right off the lever that adjusts the steering column itself. The upper can be a PITA but you have to play with it a little until those two longer sections clear the top of the column.


goodluck, eric

 

Has anyone done the light in the shifter console (auto)?
How about the a/c button on the GC/GF?

 

Umm sounds intresting i wonder myself gona check some info on that one (GOT TO HAVE THE CAR ALL BLUE!)

 

My cigarette lighter bezel is green as well! All the greeness has to be stopped!

 

Try posting a pic of it or finding it on the web. Im not too sure what you're talking about. If/when you post some pics i'll be glad to give you my .02.

Eric

 

a/c button circled in red. Automatics have a gate around the shifter not a boot. It's lit to show which range you have selected. Outline in yellow is where it would be in an auto, though the photo is a manual.

 

The AC button is controlled by a light inside the HVAC. The light travels down a plastic prism that works kinda like a fiber optic. It only activates when you push the button so i left it. I figure i could tell if the AC was on easier if i had a transition in colors. I'm not 100% sure if this can be changed or not. It may be too much of hassle so that's on you my friend.

I know you can get to the shifter area by pulling off all that trim. There's a couple hidden screws on each side. After that you need to muscle the trim section off by pulling up on it (not too difficult). There must be a way to take the "PRND321" plate off and access the lighting system. Im not sure how though... im sure it may require a flathead screw driver After that im sure you can either scrape off the green sections and turn them to blue with a lighting gel or change the bulbs.

 

I'm sure I'm not the only one with an '04 that wants amber or red lighting all around. As far as I can tell there still a big gaping hole in the EL gauge face market, but if anyone knows of a company selling faces for '04 please let me know. In any case, I've decided to take matters into my own hands. I've found that EL sheets can be had for a price. The sheets can be cut to any shape, and one company even sells a kit with gauges specifically in mind.

My goal is to make red reverse EL gauge faces with black background. It seems best to start with a red EL sheet, paint or silk screen the negative space black, and then cut out the shape. I would therefor need an accurate copy of the gauge layout in stencil or silk screen form. I figure I'd need to take the gauges apart and scan or photocopy the faces directly. To those who have fully disassembled their gauges, I know taking the needles off is risky, but I may be forced to in order to scan or copy the gauges. What is there to know about this? Will I have to re-calibrate the needles, or can this be avoided?

Once I have a copy, I can clean it up and tweak it as I like. I'll then most likely have a screen made up, as screening seems like the best way to go about getting the graphic on. I'll test ink on a part of the sheet that wont be part of the finished faces, to make sure it will hold. After I've screened them, I'll cut out the gauges from the EL sheet, as well as decide wether or not it would be wise to laminate the finished faces.

Any input is of course appreciated.

 

Im not too sure if there's a anyone that makes aftermarket MY04 WRX gauge faces Is there a an actual difference in dimensions between the MY02-03 gauge face and the MY04? I know the Tach and Speedometer are in different locations but it may be possible to just swap those once you have your cut dimensions, right?

I guess the next best thing is to do some searching for them until you find them. If not, then find a salvaged cluster and crack it open. I suppose if you're careful you can measure yours in the end. Just be careful not to damage anything because a new one costs ~$250.

This sounds like a great idea! Keep us posted if you decide to give it a shot. And be sure to make one for the 4eat owners if you can!. I hope others have more input for you because A LOT of people would love red gauges. Hell, if it's easy enough in the end you could try making faces for the STi in blue etc.

Eric

 

I love my red gauges in the STi. Just couldnt resist. But your the lucky ones with the radio's.

Nick

 

So what's stopping you from installing a radio and a few speakers?

 

With all the complaints about the crappy stock radio, I think you're better off.
Really, STI owners asking for sympathy