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Firebird gauge removal

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Old Aug 8, 2013 | 10:50 PM
  #1  
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Car: 91 TA / 91 Formula
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Firebird gauge removal

I need to remove the infl rest bulb in my 91 Firebird. I have been searching but have not found a write up or pics on removing the gauges. It is probably easy, but i have not done it so I just want to get info before I start. Any help or tips is appreciated. I might not be searching correct, but I did try and search before I posted. Thanks guys
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Old Aug 9, 2013 | 12:30 PM
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Car: 1 Owner 1986 TA with a WS6 package
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Axle/Gears: 277 Posi Speedo
Re: Firebird gauge removal


Hit the "Search Forum" thread and type in "Removing Gauges" in Key Words and you'll find a slew of answers.
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Old Aug 9, 2013 | 03:53 PM
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rdhanded2's Avatar
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Re: Firebird gauge removal

Maybe I am slow, but I still have not found a thread that details taking the gauges out. I see several where it is mentioned but nothing going over the process. Maybe I am just missing it, but I have went back several pages of threads and not found it. Removing gauges if one of the search terms I had already used. I am probably just being dumb and overlooking it, but no luck so far. I found one with a video after it was out and saying it was a pain, but that was all.
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Old Aug 9, 2013 | 07:47 PM
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Re: Firebird gauge removal

What do you want to do??just take out the cluster and change bulbs?and what is infl rest bulb??
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Old Aug 9, 2013 | 10:21 PM
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rdhanded2's Avatar
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Re: Firebird gauge removal

Infl Rest is the bulb for the air bag. When I got the car it had a grant wheel and the bulb is always on. I want to take it out so I am not blinded at night, but I have never touched taking apart the dash other than the top for speakers. I just was looking for tips or pics of what all needs to come off for the gauges to come out.
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Old Aug 9, 2013 | 10:31 PM
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Re: Firebird gauge removal


Does your cluster look like this one??
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Old Aug 10, 2013 | 07:31 AM
  #7  
rdhanded2's Avatar
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Re: Firebird gauge removal

Yes it does. Do I need to remove the panel under the under the column first?
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Old Aug 10, 2013 | 11:33 AM
  #8  
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Car: '02 T/A WS6, '91 T/A, '91 Camaro RS
Engine: LS1, LB9, L03
Transmission: T56, 700R4, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 4.10 10 bolt, 2.73 10 bolts
Re: Firebird gauge removal

Originally Posted by rdhanded2
Yes it does. Do I need to remove the panel under the under the column first?
IIRC, yes, the lower dash panel needs to come off first. After that, I think there's just a series of 7mm screws that hold the cluster into the dash, then the whole cluster should just come right out. It's a relatively easy removal process. I took my bulb out years ago after swapping to an earlier style non-airbag wheel.

This is also a good opportunity to clean the inside of your cluster lens with plastic polish. Just make sure you don't leave any lint behind or you'll be staring at it until you remove the cluster again.
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Old Aug 10, 2013 | 02:42 PM
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rdhanded2's Avatar
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Re: Firebird gauge removal

Thanks a ton for the info. I appreciate it a lot.
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Old Aug 10, 2013 | 04:21 PM
  #10  
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Car: 1987 Z28 IROC
Engine: 6.2L
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: Firebird gauge removal

Originally Posted by rdhanded2
I need to remove the infl rest bulb in my 91 Firebird. I have been searching but have not found a write up or pics on removing the gauges. It is probably easy, but i have not done it so I just want to get info before I start. Any help or tips is appreciated. I might not be searching correct, but I did try and search before I posted. Thanks guys
You could just cut the wire that controls the light. Brown wire going to the passenger side dash connector.

http://www.austinthirdgen.org/mkport...ter_pinout.jpg
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Old Aug 14, 2013 | 09:18 AM
  #11  
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Car: 1992 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 3.1 V6
Transmission: 5 speed manual
Re: Firebird gauge removal

Do u have a pic of the location of the brown wire for the airbag light!
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Old Aug 21, 2013 | 03:53 PM
  #12  
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Car: 90 Formula -- tot resto in progress
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4 w/ 2500 stall, by Owen @ ARD
Axle/Gears: 3.23 posi disc
Re: Firebird gauge removal

Accessing those connectors requires removing the instrument
cluster, as above. And without knowing if the wire you're cutting
will be a power, or ground wire, removing the bulb is the safest.
Not to mentione easily reversable, if ever needed.
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Old Aug 22, 2013 | 03:44 AM
  #13  
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Car: 1992 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 3.1 V6
Transmission: 5 speed manual
Re: Firebird gauge removal

Thanks! Other than dealing with this Florida heat and humidity, this job was seamless! Took only about about 30 min to remove and take out the bulb. Don't know why anyone would cut the wire???
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Old Jan 16, 2017 | 04:15 PM
  #14  
JRobling's Avatar
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From: Washington
Car: 1989 IROC-Z
Engine: 5.7L V8
Re: Firebird gauge removal

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Old Apr 18, 2023 | 11:22 PM
  #15  
Maze's Avatar
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From: Oklahoma
Car: 1987 Firebird base
Engine: 350
Transmission: 4 speed auto
Axle/Gears: stock
Re: Firebird gauge removal

I need to learn how to remove a 87 Firebird Instrument cluster. None of this is very helpful. My old cluster is a piece of junk! Idiot light and a speedomenter that makes a rude noise and jumps around like a mexican jumping bean!
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