Katy

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]

JonM

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]

65Z01

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.

GoodbyeGirl

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:

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.

SmokinVette

Does the tilt lever just unscre with a wrench?

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........

JonM

:yesnod: or by hand

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! 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.

a851yy07

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.

a851yy07

:yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod:

thrills

Is yours a late sequence VIN? Perhaps this was another midyear change like the 4+3 button?? My '85 is an early one, built in Oct 84. And believe me, that thing would NOT come out, we tried everything including pulling all the electronics out.
Check these photos out:




[Modified by thrills, 9:18 AM 6/13/2002]