Clock and Temperature Controls Removal and Replacement

Overview

This guide walks you through removing and replacing the clock, cigarette lighter, temperature control unit, or their light bulbs in a Porsche 944 S2 with a 3.0L engine. It’s a common task if these components fail or need maintenance, ensuring your dashboard stays functional and comfortable.

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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
• Putty knife (optional, for prying trim loose)

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Remove the Temperature Control Knobs

1. Gently pull off the four control knobs on the temperature control unit.
2. For the fan speed knob, take extra care—it has a light bulb behind it that’s fragile. If it’s stuck, slide a small flat tip screwdriver behind it and apply gentle pressure while pulling it off to avoid breaking the bulb or the stem’s retaining tabs.

Step 2: Remove the Temperature Controls Cover

3. Slide a small flat tip screwdriver under each outside edge of the temperature controls cover.
4. Carefully pry it loose to release the trim piece from the dash.

Step 3: Remove the Temperature Control Unit

5. Locate the four Phillips head screws behind the cover and remove them with a stubby Phillips head screwdriver.
6. Slide the temperature control unit forward out of the dash.
7. Disconnect the electrical connector plug on the back of the unit to fully remove it.

Step 4: Access the Clock and Cigarette Lighter Area

8. Open the passenger-side door (left-hand drive cars).
9. Find the side trim panel near the vent and remove its single Phillips head screw with a stubby Phillips head screwdriver.
10. Slide the panel toward the front of the car to disengage its tabs from the vent.

Step 5: Remove Additional Trim Screws

11. Behind the side trim panel, remove the bottom Phillips head screw holding the trim in place.

12. Using a small flat tip screwdriver, carefully pry off the rectangular trim cover next to the passenger-side vent control lever.

13. Remove the two Phillips head screws behind this trim cover.

Step 6: Remove the Temperature Sensor Intake Cover

14. Use needle-nose pliers to turn the temperature sensor intake cover 90° counter-clockwise and remove it. Be gentle—the vents on the cover break easily.
15. Remove the single Phillips head screw behind the cover.

Step 7: Remove the Clock Trim Panel

16. Pull out on the right side of the clock trim panel. It may stick to the right-side vent slider—carefully push the slider head through the slots to avoid damage.
17. If the panel sticks to the upholstery underneath, slide a putty knife behind it and gently pry around the edges to loosen it.
18. Slide the left edge of the clock trim panel out from behind the temperature control unit.

Step 8: Install the Clock Trim Panel

19. Position the clock trim panel back in place, sliding its left edge behind the temperature control unit.

Step 9: Reinstall the Temperature Control Unit

20. Reconnect the electrical plug to the back of the temperature control unit.
21. Slide the unit back into the dash and secure it with the four Phillips head screws.
22. Press the temperature controls cover gently on its outside edges to snap it back into place.
23. Reinstall the four control knobs. For the fan speed knob, push it on carefully to avoid damaging the bulb or stem tabs.

Step 10: Reinstall Remaining Trim

24. Insert the temperature sensor intake cover and rotate it 90° clockwise to lock it in place.
25. Install the single Phillips head screw behind the cover.
26. Install the two Phillips head screws next to the passenger-side vent control lever, then snap the rectangular trim cover back on.
27. Secure the bottom screw behind the side trim panel.
28. Reattach the side trim panel with its single Phillips head screw, sliding it back into place.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Check that the temperature control unit operates smoothly (fan, heat, etc.).
• Verify the clock and cigarette lighter function correctly, including their light bulbs.
• Ensure all trim pieces are secure and don’t rattle while driving.

Sources

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