Removing the instrument cluster

Remove the dash top.
Remove the two T-25 screws at the top corners of the cluster (you can see
them easily through the windshield). Picture
Disconnect all the wiring connections. After much frustration, I've found
that the key is to disconnect the Pictogram connector first. Pull the cluster
upward and rotate the bottom forward until you can see the Pictogram connector at the
bottom left of the cluster. Picture
Depress the retainer on the inner end of the connector (Picture),
pull the connector loose, then rotate it out and toward the other end (Picture).
When it's rotated a bit past 90 degrees you can decouple the outer end and
remove the connector.
Remove the end connectors by squeezing the end tabs, then pulling the
connector loose. Picture
Remove the intermediate connectors. Picture
Remove the two central connectors. They can be seen in the intermediate
connector picture. The upper
one just pulls out. The lower one requires squeezing tabs on the end of
the connector.
Remove the vacuum line from the boost gauge. Picture
It will get sort of
"welded" after a while - try rotating it with pliers, then try pulling
it loose with pliers - the hose might split in spite of your best efforts.
Lift the panel out. Be careful not to lose the two rubber
"feet". Picture
Glue them onto their channels, maybe. I did lose mine,
of course; I replaced them with foam rubber weather strip material.
The bulbs come out easily with a quarter counterclockwise turn.
You might need to use a pair of pliers on the smaller ones.
General layout
Bulb locations
Re-installation:
There are two metal channels that the rubber feet/tabs go into (the rubber
feet should stay in the channels). If the feet are missing. just use any padding
material to provide a snug, rattle-free fit.
After checking the "feet" situation, attach all the cables and the
turbo boost gauge hose; if you leave the Pictogram cable for last, you can
attach all the other stuff with the cluster mostly above the dash-top level. I have a couple of "secrets" that
make this a lot easier. First, the darn turbo gauge hose is too
short. I got some good, thick-walled vacuum hose from a parts store and
replaced the original piece with a somewhat longer piece of the new
stuff. If you use a splice, it will be easy. If you replace it
starting where it enters the car, it will be difficult. If you insist on
replacing it all, here are some tips: Pull the old piece off the nylon connector where it
enters the car. Use a good light and grasp the new piece of hose
about an inch behind the end, reach way back there to the connection and force
it on. If it's not good, thick wall hose, you'll regret it - it has to be
stiff enough to push onto the connector. Once the long hose is in place,
you can stow it where you can get to it.
The next secret is to start with the connectors on the right side and work to
the left side. The intermediate connectors must be positioned with the
connector fingers facing up so they can contact the flexible circuit board
contact fingers. The very last connection should be that swing-on connector for the
Pictogram (left side, bottom). Don't forget
the boost gauge hose. Drop the cluster back into the foot holds and secure
it with the two screws - tighten gently, or the plastic corners of the
cluster will break.
