Gauge cluster removal--help!

[Doc308]

I'm attempting to remove my gauge cluster and have been following the directions from the online manual ( sec 23, p128). I've removed all of the screws to the instrument panel surround, but there is not enough room to get it out. The upper steering column cover is in the way. While I removed the lower portion of that cover, I don't see how to move the upper part out of the way, in that all of the light controls, etc seem to be attached to it and I don't see any screws which would detach that section from the column.

A Prime member told me that I should drop the steering column to remove the cluster, but the manual doesn't state that.

Another Q--the manual points to 2 main wiring connectors to the cluster. I see 2 on each side--one large and one small, in green plastic housings. What are the smaller ones for?

Help--I'm frustrated by being so close, yet so far from finishing this up!

Thanks.

 

[Briank]

Section 20 page 44,45 (Page 870 and 871 of the PDF) of the online service manual shows what needs to be taken apart to get the gauge cluster and the steering column needs to come down. :biggrin:

Looking over 23 -128 it does show the column down but omits doing it.

 

[pt91]

I feel your pain. I did this on Saturday.
All four of the green connectors must be disconnected. I removed the metal plate behind/under the knee bolster pad which made that possible (4 bolts).

I started to remove the steering column covers and gave up after a while. I could not budge a couple of them after I dropped the first under column piece. I also couldn't tell where those 8 screws were to remove the top cover.

I pulled out the wheel and lowered it ALL the way. Put some micro fiber towels around the wheel and top cover and wiggled the gauges out Very carefully. If you aren't very careful, something is going to get scratched. The top of the dash over the gauges (arch) has a little flex.

It took a lot of pulling and rotating and arranging of towels, but it worked.
I pulled it out towards the drivers door.

If I did it again, I would prefer to remove the column covers!!!

Good luck.

 

[Doc308]

PT91--so you got it out w/o dropping the steering column?

Kevin--thanks again.

 

[Ojas]

Like pt91, I was able to remove the instrument cluster without removing the steering column trim and without dropping the steering column. As pt91 said, it takes a little bit of work to get the right angle and you have to be careful not to scratch the instrument cluster lense.

In addition to setting the tilt at the lowest position, you will find you can gain an extra mm or two of clearance by holding the tilt lever down and tilting the column down some more. Holding the lever down ensures the tilt position does not lock, allowing you to lower the column a bit more than the normal lowest locked position. This extra bit of clearance along with the flex in the hood part of the dash should give you enough room to remove the cluster.

Good luck.

 

[Doc308]

Thanks, Ojas.

 

[Doc308]

OK--hopefully, this will be my last question for this post. I've removed all of the pieces surrounding the gauge cluster , unhooked the 2 wiring connectors, and removed 4 screws which hold the cluster in place. It is very loose on top, but seems to be stuck somewhere. Are there any more screws holding the cluster in place which I may have missed? According to the manual, at this point, I should be able to pull down on the top of the cluster and angle it out face down . However, when I pull the top downward/outward about an inch, it seems to be stuck somewhere along the bottom. I sure don't want to crack anything. Any (more ) help would be much appreciated!

 

[pt91]

OK--hopefully, this will be my last question for this post. I've removed all of the pieces surrounding the gauge cluster , unhooked the 2 wiring connectors, and removed 4 screws which hold the cluster in place. It is very loose on top, but seems to be stuck somewhere. Are there any more screws holding the cluster in place which I may have missed? According to the manual, at this point, I should be able to pull down on the top of the cluster and angle it out face down . However, when I pull the top downward/outward about an inch, it seems to be stuck somewhere along the bottom. I sure don't want to crack anything. Any (more ) help would be much appreciated!

Did you remove the 2 gold bolts that hold the 30-P's in place? They are underneath and to each side of the cluster. It is in the instructions (#7 of 23-129).
Also there are 4 green connectors to free. Two on each side (one big, one small).

 

[Doc308]

Thanks, PT--I disconnected all 4 connectors , but did not see or remove 2 gold bolts. I just checked the downloaded service manual and I don't see any reference to these bolts . The step # 7 I see, just says to dc the two 30-P connectors, then to remove the cluster. Anyway, thanks again--you've been very helpful. I'll look for those gold bolts today and hopefully will finally get this job done.

 

[pt91]

It was a little confusing to me as well.

The one screw next the ignition is sort of deep and I remember tilting the wheel to allow access to these gold bolts/screws.

If I remember correctly, the two screws are holding the assembly in place at the points in this photo.

 

[Doc308]

PT--I got it finally! Thank you and all of the other guys for the assistance. Without your help, I would not have been able to do this myself.

 

[j14nsx]

PT if you are able, could you post a picture of the rear of the cluster. I am thinking of mounting an LED, like the NSX-R for a shift light. It would save me a load of time, to see a pic of the rear, before I take mine apart to see if it's possible.

 

[pt91]

PT if you are able, could you post a picture of the rear of the cluster. I am thinking of mounting an LED, like the NSX-R for a shift light. It would save me a load of time, to see a pic of the rear, before I take mine apart to see if it's possible.

Unfortunately, I didn't take a picture of the back. I did have to disconnect the bulb to separate the back from the front.
Maybe someone else has a photo.
The online and printed service manual does have a drawing of the back if that helps. Good luck.

 

[NRG]

I just took mine out..here you go:

I have more close up...let me know if you want to see them.