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NonaDAbove
08-14-2010, 06:48 PM
I've noticed that whenever I plud something into the cigarette lighter (GPS power adapter, or something like that) the whole enclosure for the gauges shifts and creaks. I've only owned the car for six weeks, and have already replaced some broken trim from the previous owner, so I'm guessing this is not normal.

Could anyone confirm that this isn't normal (I'd expect something like that to be solid on a $30,000 car,) and second, is it hard to replace?

I have no qualms about replacing it, it needs to be painted, and I know correct trim paint is hard to come by.

Many thanks in advance!

Paul T. Casey
08-14-2010, 07:36 PM
I run my iPod adapter in the butt lighter slot. Never had any creaking issues, but it did foul up the hole a bit. No big deal now that I'm not smoking, but when I did partake in the Camel nicotine delivery systems, I had to keep a finger on the lighter. The iPod thing enlarged the hole, and the lighter now jettisons out to the passenger seat.

ImpalaSlayer
08-14-2010, 07:53 PM
that piece is very easy to remove and most of the time the clips fly off into oblivion. infact i just did it tonight on a members car. if you can push on the whole pod thing and it wiggles, id be willing to bet your missing a clip or the whole tab is broken off.

put the car in fist gear, set the parking brake and pull back on the pod, it should pop out and you will see where the clips need to be.

fastblackmerc
08-14-2010, 07:55 PM
I've noticed that whenever I plud something into the cigarette lighter (GPS power adapter, or something like that) the whole enclosure for the gauges shifts and creaks. I've only owned the car for six weeks, and have already replaced some broken trim from the previous owner, so I'm guessing this is not normal.

Could anyone confirm that this isn't normal (I'd expect something like that to be solid on a $30,000 car,) and second, is it hard to replace?

I have no qualms about replacing it, it needs to be painted, and I know correct trim paint is hard to come by.

Many thanks in advance!

It's not normal. I've had mine in & out many times and no creaks or other noises.


Check to see if there is the rubber trim at the top.

Are the retaining ears on both sides?

CBT
08-14-2010, 08:05 PM
Mine does it, and I've had it out twice. Lost a clip the first time and some skin on my thumb the second time.

Zim Hosein
08-15-2010, 12:30 AM
The iPod thing enlarged the hole, and the lighter now jettisons out to the passenger seat.

That HAS to suck! :eek:

NonaDAbove
08-15-2010, 06:57 PM
The iPod thing enlarged the hole, and the lighter now jettisons out to the passenger seat.

Rather than turning your ride into a carbeque...

NonaDAbove
08-15-2010, 07:00 PM
It's not normal. I've had mine in & out many times and no creaks or other noises.


Check to see if there is the rubber trim at the top.
Are the retaining ears on both sides?



Thanks, I'll check it out next weekend, when I have some quality time to spend looking at it. The carpet next to it on the driver's side isn't quite right either, so I'm sure someone was hacking around in there before.:)

fastblackmerc
08-15-2010, 08:09 PM
Thanks, I'll check it out next weekend, when I have some quality time to spend looking at it. The carpet next to it on the driver's side isn't quite right either, so I'm sure someone was hacking around in there before.:)

Let us know what you find.

88LTDCV351
08-19-2010, 01:08 PM
Mine keeps coming loose when I try to plug something in or take out of the cigatrette light or at the mere touch. I guess I must be missing some of these clips or tabs since I replaced the bulbs. I'll have to take a look.

RacerX
08-19-2010, 01:29 PM
That HAS to suck! :eek:
Unless your mother-in-law is in that seat... :D

fastblackmerc
08-24-2010, 04:50 PM
This is what the "ears" on the center pod look like.

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/Gauges/DSCN1132.jpg

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/Gauges/DSCN1133.jpg

Bradley G
08-24-2010, 06:25 PM
the ears break off rather easily and the retainer clips go too, then it wiggles and creaks just like you describe.

tbone
08-24-2010, 08:16 PM
the ears break off rather easily and the retainer clips go too, then it wiggles and creaks just like you describe.

That's what she said!

Bradley G
08-25-2010, 04:08 AM
Luckey :lol:
That's what she said!

NonaDAbove
08-28-2010, 07:13 PM
Finally took the time to look at it today, and it's not as bad as I thought. Thanks to fastblackmerc (and all who made suggestions!) for the photos, they were a huge help!

The clip is missing on the driver's side, if someone has a source, that would be great, otherwise, I'll source my local dealer.

What I thought was a loose piece of carpet is just the piece that goes on the drivers side, that's held in with a retaining clip (although, it's pretty movable, I can spin it with no trouble.)

Had a moderately productive day, replaced the driver's door mirror (previous owner left a giant scratch), but messed up the paint on the plastic insert. Greased the window regulator while I was in there with Ford Teflon grease (wouldn't use anything else!) Tested the CD changer successfully, got the car washed, and made it home in time for the IndyCar race.