speedometer question
 

I need to take the speedometer out of my '84 Targa. Three of the wires that go into the back of the speedometer end in small red plastic barrels. They seem to be spring fitted. I have visions of bad things happening - like springs and small pieces of metal popping out- if I don't take them out the right way.

Can anybody tell me how the correct procedure?

Thanks.

Those are bulb holders - little cylindrical things. Try to grab the rounded lip with your fingernails and pull them out of the speedometer. Or you could pull them out with a pair of pliers, but try not to distort them. I don't suggest pulling on the wire, as the bulb is held in by a spring, which pulling on the wire compresses. So the bulb might fall off inside the speedometer (really bad) or the wire might break (not as bad).

On mine, there are plastic barrels that fit over the lamp holders. If you slip the plastic barrels up (get your fingernail under them at the base and lift) then the lamp holder lifts right out of the speedo.

LEave the bulb in after taking out of speed-o... wire can short out.

Thanks. Got them out.

make sure you have them marked for reinstall. You could short out the speedo if you put them in wrong spot - ---

Thanks John. I drew a diagram and used masking tape to mark each wire as I took it off.