Removing an old instrument cluster from the dash board of a car and replacing it with a new instrument cluster is a task that you can accomplish without having to get a mechanic involved. It is simply a matter of following the necessary steps. These are outlined for you below.

Instrument Cluster Removal

The first thing that you will have to do is to take off the cable from the negative battery terminal. This is necessary so that you do not get hurt by an electrical shock from the battery. After this has been done, then you will be ready to remove the instrument cluster panel itself. Most instrument clusters are simply pushed into the dash board and secured there utilizing a ribbed boot made from rubber that encircles them. This can be removed by utilizing a screwdriver to pry it loose, but you should use great care not to scratch up the bezel surrounding the instrument cluster or the dash board. It is better to use your fingers to pry it loose instead.

Speedometer Cable Removal

Now, the speedometer cable will need to be disconnected from the speedometer. You can do this by locating the threaded fitting. This fitting attaches the speedometer cable to the instrument cluster's back. Unscrew this threaded fitting to take it off. You ought to be capable of unscrewing it with only your fingers.

To completely take out the speedometer cable and speedometer, you will need to put on the parking brake and block the wheels on the back. Then raise up the front of the car. Take jack stands and set the car's front securely on these. You will go to the driver's side of the car next. Here, you will take off the circlip that holds the other end of the speedometer cable up to the wheel bearing dust cap's outside. By working out of the driver's side front wheel, at the back side, you will be able to pull the cable itself out from the steering knuckle. Finally, you can remove the speedometer by simply pulling it out of the hole found in the dash board.

Making A Diagram

Since you will be removing the entire instrument cluster from the vehicle, you should make yourself a diagram of the instrument cluster's back side. Make certain that you actually label each and every wire along with its connection point. The wire numbers should correspond to the connection points. Color coding these wires according to the actual wire colors is also a smart idea. This way, after you detach the wires from the back of the instrument cluster, then you will have a far easier time of figuring out where they go when you put in the new instrument cluster panel.

Reattaching the Speedometer Cable

A new speedometer cable can be put back in along with the speedometer and instrument cluster panel. First, you should take the cable out of its sheath. Wipe it off using clean rag. Then use your fingers to rub some grease along its length. Now put the cable back into its sheath. It would be wise to put in a new rubber sleeve into the steering knuckle itself. This will help to keep water from getting inside the speedometer cable. Water that seeps into the knuckle will likely damage the bearings.

Putting the speedometer cable back will need a person inside the car and another one beneath the car. The new cable can be routed through the hole inside the dash board, past the hole in the firewall, then finally through to the steering knuckle's back side. The new cable should follow the same path as the one from which the old cable was removed. The wheel end of this speedometer cable should be inserted to the steering knuckle from the back side. You might need to take off the dust cover in order to make sure the cable's end is correctly lined up in the hole. Finally, you will put a new circlip on to the end of the cable to hold it in place.

Instrument Cluster Installation

Now you are ready to put in the new instrument cluster. First, you should attach all of the wires to the connection points on the back side of the instrument cluster. Double check your diagram to ensure that each wire is affixed to the proper connection end point. Next, align the new cluster correctly so that it matches with the hole. Then press it firmly on to the dashboard hole. It should fit snugly when replaced. Finally, you will want to investigate to make sure that your turn signals and warning lights are all working properly on the instrument cluster, along with the headlights on and bright lights indicators.