How to remove instrument panel cluster???
#1
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How to remove instrument panel cluster???
I'm trying to remove my speedometer to see why it's making grinding noises but can't get the main cluster body out. I've removed the bezel/lens but can't see what's holding the cluster housing inside the dash. There don't appear to be any screws but there are two rectangular-shaped extrusions below and behind both the tach and speedo, at the back of the cluster body. There are brown plastic "clips" protruding from either side of these extrusions, and I'm assuming these are what holds the cluster body in place?? I'm reluctant to pry these apart because I'm not sure what they're for and don't want to break them.
Thanks in advance for your quick replies!
'87 Camaro RS
Thanks in advance for your quick replies!
'87 Camaro RS
#2
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Car: '92 Z28; Dk Teal; Her Pkg
Engine: 305
Transmission: Richmond 6 Spd
Axle/Gears: Moser 9", Detroit Locker, 3.70
The speedometer cable needs to be released in order to remove the cluster. Press on the small tab next to where the cable connects to the cluster, on the back side of the cluster.
Tim
Tim
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Tim,
How do I get to the cable? Do I need to remove the dash pad to get to it? What I mean is, how do I get the white plastic cluster "housing" (the box that all the gauges sit inside) out of the dash?
Pardon my ignorance; the Helm manual I have says to remove "six screws" to remove this housing. The only screws I've seen are the ones that attach the bezel, lens and individual gauges to the housing. The tach, voltmeter, fuel gauge, oil pressure and water temp gauges seem to come out easy enough but the speedometer doesn't. I need to remove this housing (I'm assuming) to get to the speedo cable?
[This message has been edited by AAustin50 (edited December 11, 2000).]
How do I get to the cable? Do I need to remove the dash pad to get to it? What I mean is, how do I get the white plastic cluster "housing" (the box that all the gauges sit inside) out of the dash?
Pardon my ignorance; the Helm manual I have says to remove "six screws" to remove this housing. The only screws I've seen are the ones that attach the bezel, lens and individual gauges to the housing. The tach, voltmeter, fuel gauge, oil pressure and water temp gauges seem to come out easy enough but the speedometer doesn't. I need to remove this housing (I'm assuming) to get to the speedo cable?
[This message has been edited by AAustin50 (edited December 11, 2000).]
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Car: '92 Z28; Dk Teal; Her Pkg
Engine: 305
Transmission: Richmond 6 Spd
Axle/Gears: Moser 9", Detroit Locker, 3.70
The entire instrument cluster may be removed from the dash. There are 2 screws at the top of the cluster & two nuts at the bottom of the cluster (in the indicator light pockets) that must be removed, after the bezel plate is removed (8 screws on the bezel). The speedo cable retainer is in a tight area, but it may be accessed from under the dash if the plastic trim panels are removed.
Tim
Tim
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Car: 89 camaro
Engine: 68-454,87-nothing yet,88gta-305 tpi
Transmission: stock 700r4
Axle/Gears: borg warner 9-bolt/3:27 gears
Re: How to remove instrument panel cluster???
i cant get mine out in my 89 camaro rs i have tried every it says here but still no luck. also my tach is going crazy when the car is running it jumps up and down and says the car is at 5-7000 rpms then will drop to a lower number what is causeing it to do this? how do i fix it. the car was org a v6 car but is now carb350
#6
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Re: How to remove instrument panel cluster???
i cant get mine out in my 89 camaro rs i have tried every it says here but still no luck. also my tach is going crazy when the car is running it jumps up and down and says the car is at 5-7000 rpms then will drop to a lower number what is causeing it to do this? how do i fix it. the car was org a v6 car but is now carb350
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/faq-...-fix-pics.html
If the tach wasn't swapped to a V8 version, you have your problem.
JamesC
#7
Re: How to remove instrument panel cluster???
Hey bro i had to ask for the same advice and had this last post sent to me as well, you should get it as long as you follow what is shown. Its was a two second kinda flick and it came off.
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Car: 1986 Camaro IROC
Engine: 5.0 V8 TPI
Transmission: manuel
Re: How to remove instrument panel cluster???
Hi,
I have an '86 Iroc and I am trying to remove the instrament panel but the left side, the speedo side, seems to be "stuck" as if I missed a screw or clip.
**I replaced a turn signal bulb and ever since that my radio stopped working so I think I pulled a wire, or connector out and am trying to fix it.**
I have read the above posts and followed the links with no success. Any help would be appreciated.
I have an '86 Iroc and I am trying to remove the instrament panel but the left side, the speedo side, seems to be "stuck" as if I missed a screw or clip.
**I replaced a turn signal bulb and ever since that my radio stopped working so I think I pulled a wire, or connector out and am trying to fix it.**
I have read the above posts and followed the links with no success. Any help would be appreciated.
#9
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Re: How to remove instrument panel cluster???
I was SHOCKED how the Chilton, Hayes, and eve ShopKey5 all are very inaccurate in how to go about removing the instrument panel.
All indicate to first disable the battery which is correct.. (referring to 90-92 Camaro) But most just say to remove the trim plate and undo screws.. They don't even mention that you have to remove the headlight switch (rod and button).. If you were to just do what these instructions say you would break off your headlight switch button.
They also seem to indicate that you have to remove the kick plate.. Actually you just have to remove the 2 screws on the front and loosen the rear and gentle allow it to hang.
I was SHOCKED how the ShopKey5 says that once you pull the instrument panel out of the plugs in the back (4 pins per side in a square) that it says to remove the lens and housing from the cluster and then you can remove the cluster. That is not only STUPID and a waste of time, but also very dangerous in terms of putting HIGH RISK of damaging your cluster.. It's hard enough to hold it there without it breaking off parts or scratching pieces.. Imagine removing all these screws and then trying to worry about the needles!!
I found that if you tilt the tilting steering wheel down there is about 1" more play you need to remove the cluster from the car.. So to get the extra space you need, I was able to PUSH down on the steering wheel. It will push down an extra inch or so, then the instrument panel will wiggle passed it CAREFULLY.
All indicate to first disable the battery which is correct.. (referring to 90-92 Camaro) But most just say to remove the trim plate and undo screws.. They don't even mention that you have to remove the headlight switch (rod and button).. If you were to just do what these instructions say you would break off your headlight switch button.
They also seem to indicate that you have to remove the kick plate.. Actually you just have to remove the 2 screws on the front and loosen the rear and gentle allow it to hang.
I was SHOCKED how the ShopKey5 says that once you pull the instrument panel out of the plugs in the back (4 pins per side in a square) that it says to remove the lens and housing from the cluster and then you can remove the cluster. That is not only STUPID and a waste of time, but also very dangerous in terms of putting HIGH RISK of damaging your cluster.. It's hard enough to hold it there without it breaking off parts or scratching pieces.. Imagine removing all these screws and then trying to worry about the needles!!
I found that if you tilt the tilting steering wheel down there is about 1" more play you need to remove the cluster from the car.. So to get the extra space you need, I was able to PUSH down on the steering wheel. It will push down an extra inch or so, then the instrument panel will wiggle passed it CAREFULLY.
#10
Re: How to remove instrument panel cluster???
The entire instrument cluster may be removed from the dash. There are 2 screws at the top of the cluster & two nuts at the bottom of the cluster (in the indicator light pockets) that must be removed, after the bezel plate is removed (8 screws on the bezel). The speedo cable retainer is in a tight area, but it may be accessed from under the dash if the plastic trim panels are removed.
Tim
Tim
I tried the recommendation to get it from below but couldn't get my hand up there. I even removed the fuse panel below to make more room but still couldn't get through the wires to get up to the speedo release.
All this effort to remove the cluster so I can replace a headlight switch...I am tempted to just run my own toggle switch and wires...
#11
Re: How to remove instrument panel cluster???
To answer my own question from above, removing the dash pad and left front speaker does not provide access from above, just in case anyone else is wondering.
Here is a quote from another thread on this matter:
"Just pulled one from an 86 IROC last night. Drop the steering column, take the frame clip that hold the speedometer cable under the hood down by the exaust manifold off. Then you can push extra cable through the firewall so that you can easily reach the clip on the back of the speedometer." --davemel3ncz
That little extra you can get from under the hood was just what I needed to get the cluster out far enough to squeeze a couple fingers back there and release the speedo cable.
Thanks TGO for putting the info out there!
Jim
Here is a quote from another thread on this matter:
"Just pulled one from an 86 IROC last night. Drop the steering column, take the frame clip that hold the speedometer cable under the hood down by the exaust manifold off. Then you can push extra cable through the firewall so that you can easily reach the clip on the back of the speedometer." --davemel3ncz
That little extra you can get from under the hood was just what I needed to get the cluster out far enough to squeeze a couple fingers back there and release the speedo cable.
Thanks TGO for putting the info out there!
Jim
#14
Supreme Member
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Re: How to remove instrument panel cluster???
You can make the whole process a hell of a lot easier, if first you go underneath the car and loosen a clamp on the speedometer cable from the K frame. Then you can loosen the two nuts on the steering column and drop the steering column down on the seat. This allows you to pull the cluster towards you so you can release the cable. While apart, clean up all grounds on the cluster and under the dash. Information for an old post. I try to get the word out there when ever I can.
#15
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Re: How to remove instrument panel cluster???
I loosen the dash pad along the front of the dash, which give me more than enough flex to get the cluster out. Doesn't need much.
As for the speedo cable, use a long screwdriver. I normally put a small LED light in my mouth, a screwdriver in one hand to depress the retaining tab (but not to actually remove the cable) then use my free hand to pull the cluster free. So you're not really moving the cable away from the cluster as much as pulling the cluster away from the cable.
As for the speedo cable, use a long screwdriver. I normally put a small LED light in my mouth, a screwdriver in one hand to depress the retaining tab (but not to actually remove the cable) then use my free hand to pull the cluster free. So you're not really moving the cable away from the cluster as much as pulling the cluster away from the cable.
#16
Re: How to remove instrument panel cluster???
I've done it both ways and personally still would go with through the top. Getting the cluster out is one thing but lining up the speedo cable and putting it back in without being able to hold the cable in place is another. It can be a bit of a pain to get it to clip back together and you certainly don't want to have to do the job twice right?
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