Removing the Instrument Panel on a Bobcat 335 Excavator Without Damage

[MikePhua]

The Bobcat 335 and Its Shared Cab Design
The Bobcat 335 compact excavator, produced in the mid-2000s, shares its cab layout with the more common 331 model. This design includes a molded dashboard console housing the instrument panel, ignition switch, and various electrical components. While the machine is known for its reliability and ease of service, accessing the instrument panel for replacement or repair can be deceptively tricky due to hidden clips and limited clearance.
Why Instrument Panels Fail and Need Replacement
Over time, the LCD display on the Bobcat 335 may fail due to vibration, moisture intrusion, or electrical degradation. In one case, the screen had been non-functional for months, and the operator opted to replace the panel after the machine failed to start. Although all relays and fuses were intact, the lack of display and ignition feedback prompted a full panel swap.
Terminology Clarification

• Instrument Panel: The dashboard-mounted unit displaying engine data, warnings, and system status.
  
• Console Clips: Spring-loaded fasteners that hold the panel in place within the molded console.
  
• Ignition Switch Retaining Nut: A threaded fastener securing the ignition switch from inside the console.
  
• Molded Console: A solid plastic housing that integrates the dashboard and control surfaces.
  

Step-by-Step Panel Removal Strategy
Removing the instrument panel requires finesse rather than force. The top and bottom edges of the panel may lift easily, but the side clips are the true locking points. To avoid cracking the console or damaging the panel:

• Use a plastic trim tool or thin pry bar to gently lift the panel upward.
  
• While lifted, press inward on both side edges to release the spring clips.
  
• Avoid pulling directly outward, as this may snap the clip tabs.
  
• Once released, tilt the panel forward to expose wiring harnesses.
  
• Disconnect all connectors carefully, noting their orientation for reinstallation.
  

In one successful removal, a technician used a mirror and flashlight to locate the side clips and applied gentle pressure with a curved pick tool. The panel came free without damage, and the new unit was installed in under 30 minutes.
Accessing the Ignition Switch
The ignition switch is secured by a retaining nut located inside the console. Since the console is a molded part with no rear access, the only way to reach the nut is by removing the instrument panel first. Once the panel is out:

• Reach inside the console cavity to locate the ignition switch body.
  
• Use a deep socket or needle-nose pliers to loosen the retaining nut.
  
• Slide the switch out from the front and disconnect its wiring.
  

Preventive Tips and Upgrade Suggestions

• Apply dielectric grease to all connectors during reinstallation to prevent corrosion.
  
• Consider replacing the ignition switch with a weather-sealed model if operating in wet environments.
  
• Label all wires before disconnection to avoid miswiring.
  
• If the panel is being replaced due to LCD failure, inspect the voltage regulator and ground connections to prevent recurrence.
  

Conclusion
Removing the instrument panel on a Bobcat 335 excavator requires patience and precision. By understanding the clip layout and accessing the console methodically, operators can replace the panel and ignition switch without damaging the dashboard. This repair not only restores functionality but also improves long-term reliability—especially in machines that see frequent use or operate in harsh conditions.