Just bought a used 2007 Mazda 3. It looks immaculate and I love the car. The only problem is that there is some kind of residue on the "inside" of the clear plastic that shields the gauges. Its looks like dried up condensation or something but I have to look at it every time I look at the speedometer. I was wondering if anyone knew how to remove the plastic so I could clean it. I looked all over for an answer with no luck. I was going to try and do it myself but after removing what I assume is the bezel I had to stop myself before I cracked the plastic framing trying to gouge it out. Anyways I hope someone can help and I m brand new to this site but I hope to be a good participant in the Mazda 3 community.

Thanks in advance

 

Take it to the dealer and they should fix or replace it for you.

 

I took it to a dealer today just to see what it would take and the service guy wasn't to helpful because he told me it was a big job and that he would have to remove the entire console to get at the clear plastic gauge shield??? I need to go to another shop and get a second opinion because there has to be an easier way.

Thanks for the reply, much appreciated

 

Removing the clear plastic does involve removing the entire cluster and some other panels. THIS walkthrough will show you how
to remove and disassemble the cluster.

 

wow that is a lot of work! I think I'm just going to have to deal with the spots because it seems like the type of thing that could snowball out of control.

Thanks for the thread on how to dismantle the cluster though I really appreciate it.

 

I'd highly suggest to take it apart - or have someone else take it apart and see what is there. There should not be any condensation in there... and this could be a water damaged vehicle. Check ASAP if there is any other corrosion on connectors or anything else like that - which would require taking things apart.
Worst case is a flood, but even if someone broke the windwhield and it soaked the dash, that would be definite cause of very expensive electrical issues in the future and you should have some compensation for that form the dealer you got it from.