huge123

I need to replace the cruise control main switch in the dash. It works, but will not stay on - if I keep it depressed, the cruise works fine, but as soon as I let the switch go, it stops. My hazard switch does the same thing, and my rear defroster switch no longer lights up. I have tried removing the four screws to the 'meter hood' as it is called in the shop manual (two above the speedometer and one at each side of the steering wheel), but it will not come off. Has anyone removed this 'meter hood'/plastic dash cover? What is the procedure? I can't find anything in the manual - it just says 'remove meter hood'. If anyone has removed one of these and could explain what exactly has to come off in order for this piece to be removed, I'd appreciate it.

Pakeboy2

Use a FLATHEAD screw driver and gently insert above and below the switch...it will POP out...

mazdaspeedwest

there's also a screw on the outside, use a flathead screwdriver to pry off the small upper panel, it's snapped in place. you'll see the screw on the edge.

the switches are held in with flexible tabs that pressure fit them into the holes. if you remove the lower dash panel, and metal crash plate you can reach up and squeeze the tabs together and pop the switches out. That is, if you can't get the cluster peice off.

http://www.protegeclub.com/forum/sho...threadid=11006
the upper panel i am refering to, is (in this case) the blue panel just above the black ABS speaker plate i made. Which would be covered when the door is closed.

It may also be slotted with the other peice (by the clock) or even have a screw under there too, don't recall.

huge123

I want to say thanks to Pakeboy2 and Mazdaspeedwest. I got a new hazard switch, rear defroster switch and cruise switch from a junkyard, and replaced them. I was able to pop out the switches except for the hazard switch. I was also able to remove the meter hood thanks to mazdaspeedwest's info. Just fyi, there is no screw near the clock, but it does tuck under the other piece above the glove box.

The new cruise switch works, but will not stay on. Does anyone have any experience with cruise control? It's got to be something simple, 'cause it works fine when I keep the switch depressed, but won't stay on unless the switch stays depressed.

huge123

Well, I took the cruise control main switch apart and put it back together (about 150 times), and after bending the two metal contacts just so, it works now. Heaven help me if the switch goes bad again - I have no idea how I fixed it.