A how to remove the instrument cluster without the special tool

[Gusfazekas]

While I wait for someone to explain how to remove the wire connectors from the removed dash, I thought I would share this method with you.

First its "cold" here in Cleveland Ohio, 37F in my garage, and I'm afraid to try this because I have heard horror stories re: cracking the plastic lens.

I did not have the cluster removal tool. I started with a generous amount of silicone spray around the perimeter of the cluster. Next, gather up about 10 old credit cards. Insert these cards in the perimeter between the dash and the cluster after running a card around the perimeter to break the initial adhesion. Spray more silicone into the void created on the perimeter. Place your hand behind the instrument cluster and start to push and get the left corner to move. Use the credit cards and insert them wherever you are getting resistance and use more silicone spray. The lubrication is the secret to getting things to move when a cluster has been in place as long as mine has. Work from the left to the upper center. Once you get this far you are almost home. You will likely get resistance in the right corner, so insert your thin cards and start to wiggle and the dash will release. The right hand corner is essentially inaccessible from under the dash due to the position of the ignition switch and its related wiring.

All I have left to figure out is removing the electrical connectors, I just found out that the connectors just pull -off.

Also, FYI, silicone will seep into the backside of the lens which will require the lens to be detached for cleaning it prior to reassembly.

I hope this helps, I was afraid to try this but it wasn't difficult. 10 minutes tops once I had removed the bottom upholstery section.

Steve