fastblackmerc
01-06-2016, 07:58 AM
To remove the cluster:
Tools: 7mm nutdriver or socket, ratchet or speed handle, cloth and maybe a small screwdriver to release connectors.
Tilt the steering wheel all the way down
Remove the radio / headunit from the dash
Remove the center dash trim, where the clock ('03's) and the EATC is by opening the passenger side door, pulling the extreme right side of the trim towards you and working it loose all the way to the steering column. Unplug the clock (03's) connector and the rear window defroster switch connector, place the trim in a safe spot.
Remove the center dash trim on the driver's side by opening the drivers side door and pulling towards you - just like the other side.
Disconnect the traction control switch connector, if present, and the adjustable pedal switch connector.
Place a towel over the plastic collar between the steering wheel and the cluster trim to protect the plastic collar from any damage.
Using a 7mm nutdriver, remove the screws from the bottom of the cluster trim that were under both pieces of the center dash trim.
Using the same 7mm nutdriver or a smaller one, length-wise, remove the two screws from the dash trim in front of the speedometer and tach. Be careful not to scratch the plastic lens.
Carefully pull out the dash trim by rotating the top towards you until it's free of the crash pad, then remove completely.
Unplug the connector at the rear of the headlight switch. The headlight on chime will sound until the headlight switch is connected. I usually pop the headlight switch out of the dash trim and reconnect it.
Put the trim piece in a safe place.
Remove the four 7mm screws, at each corner, that secure the cluster to the dashboard.
NOTE: Unless you need to clean behind the lens there is no need to remove it.
Pull the cluster towards you.
Behind the cluster there are two long connectors, squeeze the sides of the connectors while pulling them out to release the connectors from the cluster.
NOTE: The connectors are different and can't be plugged in the wrong way or in the wrong hole.
Work the cluster out of the dash the rest of the way.
NOTE: when working on the cluster keep the front on a soft surface as to not damage the lens.
To reinstall just reverse the procedure.
Tools: 7mm nutdriver or socket, ratchet or speed handle, cloth and maybe a small screwdriver to release connectors.
Tilt the steering wheel all the way down
Remove the radio / headunit from the dash
Remove the center dash trim, where the clock ('03's) and the EATC is by opening the passenger side door, pulling the extreme right side of the trim towards you and working it loose all the way to the steering column. Unplug the clock (03's) connector and the rear window defroster switch connector, place the trim in a safe spot.
Remove the center dash trim on the driver's side by opening the drivers side door and pulling towards you - just like the other side.
Disconnect the traction control switch connector, if present, and the adjustable pedal switch connector.
Place a towel over the plastic collar between the steering wheel and the cluster trim to protect the plastic collar from any damage.
Using a 7mm nutdriver, remove the screws from the bottom of the cluster trim that were under both pieces of the center dash trim.
Using the same 7mm nutdriver or a smaller one, length-wise, remove the two screws from the dash trim in front of the speedometer and tach. Be careful not to scratch the plastic lens.
Carefully pull out the dash trim by rotating the top towards you until it's free of the crash pad, then remove completely.
Unplug the connector at the rear of the headlight switch. The headlight on chime will sound until the headlight switch is connected. I usually pop the headlight switch out of the dash trim and reconnect it.
Put the trim piece in a safe place.
Remove the four 7mm screws, at each corner, that secure the cluster to the dashboard.
NOTE: Unless you need to clean behind the lens there is no need to remove it.
Pull the cluster towards you.
Behind the cluster there are two long connectors, squeeze the sides of the connectors while pulling them out to release the connectors from the cluster.
NOTE: The connectors are different and can't be plugged in the wrong way or in the wrong hole.
Work the cluster out of the dash the rest of the way.
NOTE: when working on the cluster keep the front on a soft surface as to not damage the lens.
To reinstall just reverse the procedure.