I might try that advice on my climate control, although I think the real problem there is the face plate or glass is deforming from heat and/or age. As far as taking your cluster apart. It might work, but probably not recommended for someone advertising themselves as "Mechanically Inept". Change your title to "Mechanically Talented" and you might have chance.

Mike

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1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra