Dashboard instrument cluster

Another post on friends request. This time about instrument cluster.

Friend complained that he washed interior of his 1.4 MPI Fabia and accidentally split some liquid inside instrument cluster glass (plastic) that was somehow already with sort of crack near buttons.
He went to official Skoda garage Hagoren and they said they can order new plastic for... 350 NIS (300 + 18% VAT) and replace it (work not included in price).

Suck it, Skoda Israel!

 1: 5J0 920 810 E - instrument cluster multi function indicator (since 2010-11-08), $160
1A: 5J0 919 137 A - glass cover plastic, $19.00
 2: N 906 986 06 - hexagon socket head panel bolt, 4,2x16, $0.08
 4: 8Z0 820 535 - ambient temperature sensor, $14.81
 8: 6Q0 971 918 A - plug vehicle speed sensor, $3.36
Prices from Exist.Ru

$20 dollars is fair price, it's 80 NIS top. Ok, double it, delivery... WTF 350? I haven't official offer for that, but that is what my friend told me after visiting them.

I suggested to order from Czech Republic from Alexander for that price plus couple bucks for delivery.

Now, how to replace. Very simple, follow the instructions, no need to remove steering wheel.
Removing and installing the dash panel, PDF
Removing and installing the dash panel insert, PDF
Replace transparent washer of the dash panel insert, PDF
All work is about 1 hour max.

More docs related to steering column, not required for plastic replacement.
Removing and installing driver airbag unit, PDF - not touch if not sure!
Removing and installing the steering wheel, PDF

Some more photos from my dashboard disassembly.

5J0 858 565 - trim for steering column - upper

6Q0 953 503 EE - steering column multi-switch - top

5J0 920 810 E - instrument cluster - front

5J0 920 810 E - instrument cluster - back

Inside fuel filter

And the last one for today :-)
I made this video a year ago, but uploaded just now.

I was replacing fuel filter at 30.2kkm at home.
Workshop manual says to replace it at 60kkm. But as I got one already and it was interesting to see filtering element with Israel fuel - so I did it. And it was clean. I recommend to replace it at 45, at 60 top.

And some screenshots from "disassembly" video.

Inside oil filter

I was curious :-)

This a VAG 03C 115 561 D oil filter on 1.2 TSI CBZB engine after 7,500 km.

Filters are different. I recommend to use only original parts.

From http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showpost.php?p=524353&postcount=7

Replace damn oil plug

This is about why plug and more specifically - washer (shim) should be replaced every oil change.

Did you notice that washer was deformed and got new edges after it was tighten at previous oil change?
That's because it made from soft metal (or alloy).

When I changed oil by myself, I noticed that old oil did not come out until the most last turn of the plug. It has a good length insuring no oil leaks even without this washer I think. But anyway, just change it as replacement instruction said, wanna save $1 on this? :-)

Gearbox fluid

Even after car sale, I have material for few more posts :-)

Today my friend asked me about gearbox fluid.
You can refer to my old post about gearbox to find some information.

This manual gearbox is filled for life, as manufacture said. But I would change it anyway (if car was with me) at 90K anyway. Because synchronizer rings material wear and polluting oil, aging.

6A from picture above is a transmission oil. Comes in 1 and 2 liters plastic bottles.
VAG code is G 052 512 A2, cost about $20 for 1 liter. Previously was GCN 052 512 Z2 but was dropped at 2010-06-24.

It should be G50 SAE 75 W 90 synthetic oil.

Check gear oil level, PDF