HOW TO: Properly install cp-e center gauge pod

[08SPEED3Veteran]

For anyone who is skeptical about pulling apart their dash to install the center gauge pod or even just wanting to remove the factory BOSE hu here is a basic step by step process that will save you a headache and a hassle...

Your first step is to open your glove box.

Next, take your fingers and feel the notches underneath the decorative MAZDASPEED piece that runs along your dash. They should be about an inch and a half long.


Once you have found the notches, use your fingers and pull towards you. dont just yank on it or you run the risk of breaking one of the clips. instead, pull firmly and slowly and the piece should release. One important thing to keep in mind is that where the decorative piece ends directly below the MAZDASPEED logo it is hooked into the dash. simply pull it out by pulling outwards and to the left at the same time. This should make it so the right side of the piece is out of the dash like the picture below.



Starting from the right moving left remove the MAZDASPEED piece from the dash using the same technique of firmly pulling it by the notches. Once removed the dash should look like the picture below. Be sure to put the piece somewhere safe so that it doesnt get damaged!


Directly above the factory hu there are several screws holding in the center dash panel and hu. Remove the two dark colored ones on each side that are shown in the picture below. There is no need to separate the four screws because they all are identical. Do NOT remove the silver screw.



I will continue these steps on the next post.

 

[08SPEED3Veteran]

HOW TO: Properly intall the cp-e gauge pod (2)

Now that you have removed the four screws the next step is to remove the center section of your dash. Sounds harder than it is. Using the same type of firm pulling method used before pull the section upwards working from front to back. BE SURE TO UNPLUG YOUR HAZARD SWITCH PLUG. once the section is out make sure to remove the hazard switch and the vents because they fit to the aftermarket piece. ALSO>>>on the underside of the section there are white clips attached that held it in place. Remove them, they too get relocated to the aftermarket piece. I found using a set of picks worked best to remove them. Be careful not to break the white clips! the center piece should look like the picture below.



To remove the head unit simply grasp the top firmly and pull outwards gently. there are three plugs to remove and also the antenna plug. This is somewhat of a task due to the angle at which you have to remove the plugs. once removed the head unit will be able to be removed completely. The pictures below show the hu removed and the aftermarket gauge pod installed. Also there is a picture of my vacuum tube running to my boost gauge. Wiring your gauges is at your own discretion. All I can tell you is that you will need to find a 12 volt constant wire, a 12 volt switched wire, and a ground wire. If your really need to know I will be posting the wire colors that I used. But again, its up to you what you think is best.







There isnt much more for me to explain about the aftermarket piece. The aftermarket piece comes with very easy directions to follow. Its up to you what gauges to purchase. Whatever brand you decide on make sure they are all 52mm or else custom work will need to be done. My glowshift gauges fit almost too perfectly. They fit secure and dont move or anything like that. The only flaw to the center gauge pod design is that there is minimal room for brackets to hold your gauges underneath. some cutting of these brackets may be needed. Once your gauges are in the aftermarket piece how you want them simply go in reverse order in which you took everything apart. Front to back clip the center piece back in. Then reinstall your factory hu making sure to plug in all three plugs and your antenna. once both the dash and the hu are replaced screw them tight again. The decorative piece should be replaced from left to right clipping it tight to the dash. Dont forget the hooked MAZDASPEED end! It needs to be SLID back into place. For finished product look at mine on the photo and video forum. if you have any questions i will gladly answer them to the best of my ability.

 

[landabury]

Excelent How to.... im looking for... How install the electrical??