Clock and Temperature Controls Removal and Replacement

Overview

This guide walks you through removing and replacing the clock, cigarette lighter, or temperature control unit in your Porsche 944 S / S2 with a 16v engine. You might need to do this to replace a faulty clock, fix the cigarette lighter, or swap out the temperature controls. It’s a straightforward process if you’ve got some mechanical know-how, and it’ll help keep your dashboard working smoothly.

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Tools Required

• Stubby Phillips head screwdriver
• Regular Phillips head screwdriver (optional – stubby can work for all steps)
• Small flat tip screwdriver
• Small needle-nose pliers

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Remove the Temperature Control Knobs

1. Pull off the four control knobs on the temperature control unit by hand.
2. For the fan speed knob, go slow—it has a light bulb behind it that’s easy to break. If it’s stuck, gently slide a small flat tip screwdriver behind the knob and apply light pressure while pulling it off.

Step 2: Take Off the Temperature Control Cover

3. Slide a small flat tip screwdriver under each outside edge of the temperature control cover.
4. Gently pry the cover loose and lift it off to expose the unit underneath.

Step 3: Remove the Temperature Control Unit

5. Locate the four Phillips head screws holding the temperature control unit in place.
6. Use a stubby Phillips head screwdriver to remove all four screws.
7. Pull the unit forward slightly, then unplug the electrical connector on the back.
8. Slide the temperature control unit out of the dashboard.

Step 4: Access the Clock and Cigarette Lighter Area

9. Open the passenger-side door (for left-hand drive cars).
10. Find the side trim panel next to the vent and remove its single Phillips head screw with a stubby Phillips head screwdriver.

11. Slide the panel toward the front of the car to release its tabs, then lift it off.
12. Behind the panel, remove the bottom Phillips head screw securing the front trim piece.

Step 5: Remove Additional Trim Pieces

13. Use a small flat tip screwdriver to carefully pop off the rectangular trim cover next to the passenger-side vent control lever.

14. Remove the two Phillips head screws behind this cover.

15. Locate the temperature sensor intake cover (a round vent piece). Use needle-nose pliers to turn it 90° counterclockwise and remove it—be gentle to avoid breaking the vents.

16. Take out the single Phillips head screw behind the temperature sensor intake cover.

Step 6: Remove the Clock Trim Panel

17. Pull the right side of the clock trim panel outward. If it’s stuck, check the vent slider or upholstery underneath.
18. For the vent slider, carefully push its head through the slots in the trim to avoid damage.
19. If it’s stuck to the upholstery, slide a putty knife behind the panel and gently pry around the edges.
20. Slide the left edge of the clock trim panel out from behind the temperature control unit.

Step 7: Install the New Components

21. Position the clock trim panel back in place, tucking the left edge behind the temperature control unit.
22. Slide the temperature control unit back into the dash and plug in its electrical connector.
23. Secure the temperature control unit with its four Phillips head screws.
24. Press the temperature control cover back on, ensuring the clips on the edges snap into place.
25. Push the four control knobs back onto their stems. For the fan speed knob, align it carefully to avoid damaging the bulb or tabs.

Step 8: Reinstall the Trim Pieces

26. Insert the temperature sensor intake cover and turn it 90° clockwise with needle-nose pliers to lock it in.
27. Install the single Phillips head screw behind the temperature sensor intake cover.
28. Secure the two Phillips head screws next to the passenger-side vent control lever, then snap the rectangular trim cover back on.
29. Fasten the bottom Phillips head screw on the front trim piece behind the side trim panel.
30. Position the side trim panel, slide it back to engage the tabs, and tighten its single Phillips head screw.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Turn on the car and check that the temperature controls work properly.
• Verify the clock and cigarette lighter (if replaced) function correctly.
• Ensure all trim pieces are secure and don’t rattle while driving.
• Double-check that no screws or small parts are left loose in the dash.

Sources

• Clark’s Garage
• Pelican Parts
• Porsche 944 Workshop Manual, Volume 1
• Youtube