Reference Manual

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Chapter 6: Electrical/Interior: Gauge Cluster Removal

At some point you may have to remove the cluster to replace burnt-out lamps, to fix incorrectly reading gauges or maybe even to swap the the cluster. Here's how to remove the cluster.

Tools required:

• 5.5mm socket
• 7mm socket
• 1/4" socket

Time required:

Once you learn how to get the trim panels out, this will be an easy 20-30 minute task.

The Procedure:

• The first step is to remove the trim/vent panels to each side of the cluster.

Above left, the driver side panel.

Above right, the center trim panel

The trim panels are held in place by spring clips and will require a healthy pull to remove. Take care you don't break a vent in process though.

• Remove the 7mm screw behind the driver side trim panel

• Remove the two 7mm screws behind the center trim panel

At this point the top of the surround should be loose.

• Remove the four 7mm screws on the underside of the surround.

• Remove the the cluster surround.

• If cluster is equipped with a shift indicator: Remove the four screws holding the lower steering column trim in place and slide the shift indicator cable off of the steering column shroud.

• Remove the four 1/4" screws holding the cluster to the instrument panel adaptor.

• Open the hood and push the speedometer cable through the firewall grommet about 2" - 3", this will make the next step easier. On early models (with the Cruise Control mounted to the fenderwell) disconnect the cable from the Cruise Control). For all others, feed the cable through the clip attached to the bottom of the power brake booster.

• Pull the cluster away from the instrument panel adaptor and reach behind the cluster to disconnect the speedometer cable by pressing the cable latch toward the cluster.

• Once the speedometer cable is disconnected, you'll be able to pull the cluster out far enough to disconnect the VSS Vehicle Speed Sensor by removing the 5.5mm screw.

• The gauge cluster should now be free and can be removed from the instrument panel.