I have read many posts here before attempting to replace the main instrument cluster in my 84 with a new unit. I have removed all the screws and the cluster is free but there isn't enough room to get it out of the dash. I am unable to move the cluster to the left as it binds up on the
dash pad and steering post. I can barely see the wiring connectors, but there is not enough room to release them.

Everything I have read says to tilt the cluster to you and slide it to the left in order to release the wiring harnesses.

Any suggestions and help will be greatly appreciated.

 

You can remove the bottom cover and take out the two 15mm nuts that hold the steering colunm up (unscrew the tilt lever first) and let it drop a few inches if you need to. You need to gently pry the cluster out top first CAREFULLY. Use bits of paper in the socket to hold the four 7mm screws in place when replacing.

 

I actually loosened the screws to the dash pad and was able to push up on the pad enough to get the unit out.

 

Thank you all for the help.

I plan to give it another try this weekend, and will update.

I also had trouble removing the headlight switch *** even after releasing the clip. The plunger shaft was corroded. Although it eventually came loose, I broke the plastic mounting surface where the switch attaches. That was when I decided to ask for help.

Thanks again!

 

This is what I had to do as well.

Then I had to use the big honker Screwdriver to pry the dash upwards. There is a plastic tab on the left top of the cluster that will try to pierce your Dash......well it will mar the dash if you are not careful.

So, taking off all the surrounds up to the one that surrounds the "pillow" and then unscrewing the dash was the only way I could wriggle it out.

And are you just going to put another unit in there? Have you considered just trying to fix your current Gage cluster? It takes about two hours but it en tales cleaning and re soldering contacts. Batee.com has all the info you need to fix your current unit. Then get new bulbs and you'll be amazed. I did this repair just last month and I could not be more pleased with the results.

You need to go to "Napa" (only one that will have it) and buy four BP891 bulbs. There are two smaller ones for the Turn signals, batee.com will tell you which one as I forgot now.

Then you need a big "erasure" to clean the contacts where the board contacts the LCD......be careful to blow it off really good or else erasure material will give you a short. My "Two" on the Tack readout had a line missing and I had to go back in and re clean the erasure material off.

One more bit of encouragement. If you can get the cluster out.....you've completed the hard part. Cleaning and re soldering is the easy part. Save yourself $500 smackers and try to fix your current one first for $36 in light bulbs.

 

And with those connectors, I had to use a screwdriver to reach in there and push the tab that releases the connectors. Even after that I had to pull really harder than I felt comfortable with to get them to come loose.