Need a Definitive How-To for removing instrument cluster

[highlander]

Hi all,

I tried removing the instrument cluster this evening and my god the damn thing just didn't want to come out

I removed the three screws from the top, and managed to move the left side (with the two vents) out, but the right side (with the one vent) wouldn't bloody shift.

So I opened the drivers' door, and prized off the little panel there. There I see two screws, which I undo, but the damn thing still wouldn't move.

Is there a pictorial step-by-step anywhere that shows how to take the black bit out? I'm pretty sure I can see how to remove the instrument cluster itself once I get the black surround out, but my car is being unco-operative (and the bitch bit me again, nasty little pinch on my index finger, making it sore to type )

Cheers
Graeme

[HimBigChief]

The right side just pops out aswell. I use a fair size screwdriver wedged down the side and pop it out that way. You may brake the little clips on the vent part, but it will go back together fine. You then squeeze the top down a bit and pop it out. Make sure the steering wheel is on it's lowest level too. Pretty sure the 2 screws you've removed are for the lower dash panels so I'd stick them back if I were you.

[mjb]

If you've got the side panel off, you should just be able to push the vent section out the front...

[Archangel]

Cluster is 4 torx heads ,2 top 2 bottom
yes it is a bitch to remove, especially just to change the bulbs (2 quid each from dealer)

[plod]

When I did mine it was 3 torx across the top, then open drivers door
prise off access panel, and remove forth torx screw.
Lower the steering wheel and pull forth at same time to give maximum room.

Then pull the surround out - the top will need pulling down as the parts where the 3 screws went in the top, stick up into the dash a little way.

[highlander]

Got it guys, thanks

It's a bugger to open.

I was fitting the chrome dial rings. Got them in, but the fuel gauge sticks. Will need to take it all apart again to try and sort it but at least now I see how it's done

[plod]

Someone else had problems with them sticking, but I had no problems at all.

I made sure the bottom flat bit was seated correctly first before trying to bend the ring around.

[swiss]

If you take the cluster out, put it back in but do not secure it. Don't screw it in or put the vent cowling back. Just plug it in and drive around for a few days to check it out. Because my God, you pull it, do stuff, put it back and realise it has to come out again and you really, really feel the urge to kill somebody.

[highlander]

Someone else had problems with them sticking, but I had no problems at all.

I made sure the bottom flat bit was seated correctly first before trying to bend the ring around.

My dials are fully round, there is no flat bit on the bottom.

Was that a D8 thing?

[plod]

I guess so

[Archangel]

If you take the cluster out, put it back in but do not secure it. Don't screw it in or put the vent cowling back. Just plug it in and drive around for a few days to check it out. Because my God, you pull it, do stuff, put it back and realise it has to come out again and you really, really feel the urge to kill somebody.

Oh yeah , I agree with that.

BTW, there are at least 30 bulbs for illumination and completely replacing them is good idea

[swiss]

Pop in some LEDs while you're there, never change them again ^_^