Easy Dash Removal Tips Needed

[jjbodean1970]

I've got a 90 FJ62 and need to remove my main instrument panel. I've gotten as far as removing the screws and can pull the panel out about 6 inches. from here i am stuck and it appears to be the instrument cluster wiring harness. any easy ideas on how to get past this point? i need about 6 more inches of slack to accomplish my task - a/c vent replacement.

 

[archie]

I had the same problem the first time I did this myself and decided to retreat and try it on a different day. I finally gamble on a different day and disconnected the 2 wiring harnesses that connect into the instrument cluster. they snap off just like most auto harness with the sliding lock. I did this by putting my hands under and behind the instrument panel rather than above and behind. There is a clip that goes into the speedometer cable that is alittle tricky to reinstall because you kinda have to push the instrument panel into the speedo cable to reattach it( because it is not long enough to connect, but is rigid enough to stay in a general area behind the guage). this is a good time to put a cheap FM CD changer. Better than listening to alot of commercials or old tapes.keep us updated on what happens.

 

[jjbodean1970]

archie, thx for the tips, anyone else have any other opinions? i will be working on this again tomorrow afternoon

 

[Landpimp]

don't worry, just pull the whole cluster out, unclip all the harness conectors and speedo and pull the whole cluster out, takes almost no time and you can't put it back in wrong.....the conectors only fit one way. A 60 or 62 is IMOP easier than a fj40 cluster to pull.

 

[jjbodean1970]

SWEET - thx pimp, i can't wait to tackle it tomorrow

 

[jjbodean1970]

easy as pie! the only bitch was the damn speedo cable, got covered in grease, but quickly figured it out. thx for the tips to both!

 

[archie]

Here's a link to another discussion I was involved with https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=16561.you can also do some search.

 

[Doc]

The speedo cable has more slack in it if you follow it back and keep pulling the slack out. I ended up being able to set the cluster on my steering column and plug the cable into the slot!