Instrument Cluster Removal

[FJ80Duo]

On the way back from the Black Hills, my tach died. Then a thousand miles later, my odometer and speedo died. Since the tach is coming from the distributor and the speedometer from the tranny, I'm guessing the cluster is the problem?
This is my first time removing the cluster. I have removed the 4 screws holding the cluster in place, but as I pull it out, the cables in the back prevent it from sliding out. Is there something else I need to unhook, or do I keep pulling harder until it's out? Or do I have to separate the white & black parts with the incredibly brittle looking clips?
Thanks.

The newbie in PA.

 

[Mr Cimarron]

You will need to snake your hand back there and disconnect the wires. You can tilt it a bit to see what your doing.

 

[wearsabrowncoat]

My experience is that they are not that brittle. You just have to find the release without really being able to see it very well.

 

[NLXTACY]

Yeah, on the connecter center is a tab you push down with your finger. My cluster has been out well over 20 times now. 10 mins tops

 

[FJ80Duo]

Well, I nervously unhooked all the electricals. But what about the speedometer cable?
And is it supposed to be bleeding oil everywhere?
Also, should I go ahead and change bulbs while it's out? Any other maintenance?

 

[NLXTACY]

Well, I nervously unhooked all the electricals. But what about the speedometer cable?

Yes that too.

And is it supposed to be bleeding oil everywhere?

Supposed to? Dunno. But then mine is a 97.

Also, should I go ahead and change bulbs while it's out? Any other maintenance?

By all means yes. I bet if you went thru it you will find a few bulbs that were out that you didn't even realize were out. Careful though because these bulbs are NOT off the shelf at PepBoys. These are SOR, dealer or Amazon only.

 

[FJ80Duo]

Thanks. Obviously, I have to disconnect the cable, but I'm not finding any way to do that.

 

[bicycleagent003]

Little shaky video here, but Very Helpful:


Not my video, I just found it helpful.

 

[Tapage]

My cluster has been out well over 20 times now. 10 mins tops

with the late dash might be .. but not a chance with the early model.

 

[NLXTACY]

with the late dash might be .. but not a chance with the early model.

I'm on my phone so can't see what year. But yes, later model is super simple.

 

[Andy s]

On the way back from the Black Hills, my tach died. Then a thousand miles later, my odometer and speedo died. Since the tach is coming from the distributor and the speedometer from the tranny, I'm guessing the cluster is the problem?
This is my first time removing the cluster. I have removed the 4 screws holding the cluster in place, but as I pull it out, the cables in the back prevent it from sliding out. Is there something else I need to unhook, or do I keep pulling harder until it's out? Or do I have to separate the white & black parts with the incredibly brittle looking clips?
Thanks.

The newbie in PA.

Hi,
Before all the removal fun check all fuses with a meter not just looking at them.
I had the same issue fuses looked good but they were not.
It was a few bad 10amps that got me!
Fuses replacesd and dash is working tack included?
Good luck

 

[FJ80Duo]

Fuse is fine. (all lights and other gauges worked fine). Speedometer cable is broken - I have the transfer case end in hand. Not sure which wire from the igniter is the tach wire. More fun to follow...

 

[Rhkwon]

Where are instructions for the 1996 instrument cluster removal?

 

[NLXTACY]

Where are instructions for the 1996 instrument cluster removal?

Remove the screws to the hood/fuel latch. Remove screws to the lower plastic valance. Remove the snapped in plastic surround around left side switches and ignition. Remove screws for black bezel around cluster. Remove screws for cluster. Cluster pulls out just far enough...with steering wheel all the way down, to get your hand in and press in all the connector tabs with your finger tips. Cluster then slides out.

 

[Rhkwon]

Perfect. Now I can replace the burned out "D" bulb and power ect bulb. Thanks!

 

[120mm]

That depends. On my 1996, the gear selector lights are all part of a single unit that shatters if you try to separate it. No access to the bulbs, whatsoever. Unless you really want it break it into a zillion pieces, that is.