It looks like I have moisture inside the cluster. I have a 91 Firebird convertible. My thought is it had a leaky cover and it sat awhile.

Is there any way to remove cluster and defog it?


Another problem is I am going to swap columns because bright switch is broken and ignition will not go to accessory power. Its has a vats key (I think that is what it is called). I've seen on here there is a way to bypass it. I have another column without vats. So my guess it would be a bypass under the dash and not on the column wiring.

Sorry if these covered already. New third gen owner.

 

ttt

 

Might try taking the instrument cluster out, opening the case, and blowing in it with the hair dryer to dry out any moisture in there.

On the VATS - yes - follow the tech articles and insert proper resistor between the two wires on the dash side.

https://www.thirdgen.org/vats
https://www.thirdgen.org/vats_passkey_system

 

I'm a first time third gen owner but I have taken apart many vehicles. Is the cluster easily removed or does it include more dash components to be loosened?

I saw on here that someone was selling a vats part of the column. Could I leave it in and put it on my replacement column? Since I do have a convertible it would be nice to keep.

 

If it were me, I'd see if I couldn't fix the issues with the column I have. I've never replaced a column before, but I have had one apart, it's not that bad. You'll need a steering wheel puller (free rental at any local auto parts store).

You might just need a new key cylinder. If you replace the key cylinder - you'll need to have new key cut from the new cylinder blank, but you'll have to have the key made using the same pellet resistor as the old key - any ACE Hardware can make VATS keys for $25 each.

On the high beam switch - is the actual lever on the column physically broken, or do the high beams just not coming on? The lever on the column actuates a rod that runs down the column to a physical switch - the rod pushes the button on/off on the switch. Sometimes the rod pops out of the switch, sometimes the switch just needs adjusted. The switch is located just above the brake pedal, at the bottom of the column. Remove the lower dash covers. Lay the driver seat all the way back, crawl into car upside down, so that feet are on headrest, on your back, and head in footwell - with a flashlight look up and move the high beam lever - you'll see the rod moving and see the switch - there are 2 7mm screws that hold it in place - loosen and adjust and see if that helps. Also, on tilt columns it's nearly impossible to get the lever to function at all stages of tilt - so adjust the switch so that the lever works at the degree of tilt that you normally drive at.

 

The whole turn signal switch is a little rough. I have a better one. The bright switch does not work which I'll look at your recommendation. I'm probably going to replace the turn signal switch. Thanks on the Ace hardware deal. I think I called a dealer and it was more.

Again is the cluster a straight pull or is the dash or other plastic involved?

 

Not an expert on the 'Birds - but in the Camaro's it's an easy pull. There are 7mm bolts all around the cluster - just take them out, and the whole cluster comes out as a unit. No wires to disconnect anywhere. Then, the clear cover comes off the unit. No need to remove dash pad or anything - just have to tilt the wheel down all the way to get the cluster out. Oh - you do have to remove the driver side under-dash panel first to get to the bottom screws on each side of column.