Gauge Cluster Repair Part I: dash disassembly

[kobalt]

A gauge cluster with burnt out blubs can be an eye sore, especially in an Aurora. However, repair at the dealer is a $500+ job - $300 or so for a new cluster and 2.5 hours of labor This 2 part guide demonstrates step-by-step gauge cluster repair for about $10 ;D


** Part 1: Instrument panel disassembly **

Difficulty: novice-intermediate

Time required: 30-45mins (disassembly)

Tools required:

- ratchet wrench + 3 inch extension

- socket size 7mm

- socket size 10mm

- flathead screwdriver






Remove the change holder first by opening it all the way and pulling towards





Wedge your fingers in the vent and pull towards and downward simultaneously







Pull the panel down on the other side of the steering wheel



Gently pry the panel off with a flathead screwdriver careful not to damage the screen



Use your fingers to pull the rest of the panel - start at the top



The top bolt is 10mm, the bottom 7mm



Gently pry the piece down with a screwdriver, just enough to make clearance for fingers











The plastic ring around the ignition should come off easily







Don’t forget this 10mm bolt - it is easy to miss



Pull the vent out to reach another 10mm bolt



The glovebox holds yet another 10mm bolt



Use both hands to remove this fragile vent





Loosen the instrument panel clips by a sharp pull towards





This connector is fragile - push down with a screwdriver and then gently twist to dislodge



Pinch then pull to disconnect



Lower the steering wheel and arch the instrument panel clockwise to remove





This junk takes up the whole back seat!



These clips hold the cluster in - pinch inwards to dislodge









Remove cluster by pulling towards





Its time for a beer - stay tuned for Part 2: Cluster Repair

[Aurora40]

FYI, the service manual mentions taping up the dash around the wood trim. This is to prevent any sharp edges on the wood from cutting the dash.

[JacobA]

Very good info and pictures about removing the dash (center trim plate)
Just came from the dealer and got a copy of the TSB about removing the part around the gearshift lever.
You must first remove the panel around the radio to gain access to the two screws that hold that trim piece against the dash, than lift it with a plastic tool starting at the back near the cupholder the clips are on the left and right hand side, grab the chrome ring around the shiftlever and slowly work it upwards out of the clips.
Still trying to find out where the lite(s) for the shift indicators are.

[kbpickle]

I'll pass along two warnings about removing the center console walnut trim piece around the gear shift. First, be careful with whatever tool you use to pry up the trim plate. The walnut veneer is fairly brittle, and the prying action can pop off a nickel-sized piece of the veneer.

Second, the metal friction clips (that hold the trim piece in place) have sharp edges, and can cut the adjacent vinyl as you pull out the trim piece, or as you replace it.

Both of these mishaps ocurred when my dealer attempted to repair a burned out seat heater switch bulb.

Ken

[JacobA]

Very true and the TSB mentions some kind of plastic trim tool and to tape the edges with tape to prevent damage.
Will let the forum know how I make out as I have no lites in the gear indicators besides the gearshift lever, the parts dept. could not find a bulb for this and mentioned it might be a optic fibre.
Also maybe I can line up the door on the panel.

[kobalt]

This is strange, my plastic panel did not not seem sharp or brittle at all. I took it off numerous times for different reasons and did not incurr any damage in the process...

[JacobA]

Took my center console apart this morning and some of the clips were very hard to loosen but I did get it apart. There is one small bulb to lite all the numbers and I will get one and put it together.
About lining up the door on the console I was able to put a piece of plastic under one of the screws and got it a bit better but there is not much you can do unless you start to make some major adjustments.

[Buddiemac]

A major job for a dash light replacement - nice job!!

I am trying to figure out the best manner to replace the bulb/light that illuminates the small compartment in the dash along the center console.

Does anyone know if the Service Bulletin on center console removal covers this bulb replacement?

[Custom88]

there isn't a light in there.. for future reference, make sure you start a new thread and not bring up old threads such as this. This thread is more than a year old with no new posts.

[Mr. Javi]

I know this is a thread from like 2006, but I just noticed that the 2nd Gen's have a lighted ignition, sweet.

I have it on my Special M and I replaced the lighting with a white LED and at night it looks awesome,
can't tell you how many compliments I have received about it.

This is from the 2nd Gen Aurora.


And this is how mine looks.