Instrument Cluster Removal
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Palestine TX
Instrument Cluster Removal
How do I do this? I have removed the four retaining screws, but cannot get it out. I can't even move it enough to disconnect the connectors. :confused: Do I have to lower the steering column? Is there another dash panel I have to remove to do even that?
I'm working on a friend's car and don't have a shop manual. I appreciate your patience.
[Modified by Katy, 11:01 AM 6/5/2002]
I'm working on a friend's car and don't have a shop manual. I appreciate your patience.
[Modified by Katy, 11:01 AM 6/5/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,388
Likes: 1
From: X
Re: Instrument Cluster Removal (Katy)
Take the tilt lever off after you tilt the wheel down. And if you have the 4 bolts removed it should wiggle out. You may need to push up a bit on the dash cover to get it out. Then tilt the top out first, You may also need to stick a screwdriver in the side to disconnect the harness (2)
[Modified by JonM, 10:36 AM 6/4/2002]
[Modified by JonM, 10:36 AM 6/4/2002]
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Instrument Cluster Removal (Katy)
Also remove the screws under the front of the dash pad so that you can pry up the pad a little. This will allow the dash to clear the pad so you can access the connector at the right rear.
BTW, this assumes you have a digi dash.
BTW, this assumes you have a digi dash.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 4,833
Likes: 1
From: Castle Rock CO
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: Instrument Cluster Removal (Katy)
I would suggest lowering the steering wheel to get the cluster out. If not, be very careful trying to get it out. Twisting the cluster, etc. can do damage to it. Good luck! :cheers:
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Palestine TX
Re: Instrument Cluster Removal (Katy)
Thanks, folks! I decided to drop the lower portion of the dash (three screws and two 13mm bolts) and lower the steering column. I removed the two bolts retaining the column and just let it drop down. The cluster came right out, then. Easy access to the connectors.
I cleaned it up and replaced the 882 bulbs. BTW, don't let anyone tell you that 194's will replace 882's! They're not even close! Perhaps you can get different sockets for them, but the 194's won't fit into 882 sockets. The 882's I bought ($6.99 at O'Reilly) came with new sockets, so I took the back off of the cluster and replaced them that way.
I cleaned it up and replaced the 882 bulbs. BTW, don't let anyone tell you that 194's will replace 882's! They're not even close! Perhaps you can get different sockets for them, but the 194's won't fit into 882 sockets. The 882's I bought ($6.99 at O'Reilly) came with new sockets, so I took the back off of the cluster and replaced them that way.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 11,259
Likes: 6
From: dfw TX
Moderatrix
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: Instrument Cluster Removal (Katy)
FYI to those of you who don't know, on the 84/85 you have to do as Katy said and drop the column! We found this out the hard way after we had the dash completely apart and everyone on the forum kept saying "it will just come right out!" The 84/85 is slightly different than 86 on, which had a slanted cluster to keep the sun glare off. I assume that slant allows it to pop right out.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,175
Likes: 0
From: joyzee shaw
Re: Instrument Cluster Removal (thrills)
FYI to those of you who don't know, on the 84/85 you have to do as Katy said and drop the column!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,175
Likes: 0
From: joyzee shaw
Re: Instrument Cluster Removal (ONEBAD89)
You can also remove the dash board to take out the cluster. I have removed mine several times, but with the dash out the cluster removes easily........
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 11,259
Likes: 6
From: dfw TX
Moderatrix
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: Instrument Cluster Removal (a851yy07)
FYI to those of you who don't know, on the 84/85 you have to do as Katy said and drop the column!
I beg to differ. I have an 85 and have had my cluster out a few times for bulbs and stuff. It just slid right out. didnt have to drop the column or anything like that.
I beg to differ. I have an 85 and have had my cluster out a few times for bulbs and stuff. It just slid right out. didnt have to drop the column or anything like that.
Check these photos out:
[Modified by thrills, 9:18 AM 6/13/2002]
