Instrument Cluster Area Support Panel Replacement

CAUTION:
- DO NOT turn cluster upside down for longer than 30 minutes (preferably NEVER). This can result in dampening fluid within the gauge pointer assembly to leak causing permanent damage to the instrument cluster gauges.
- DO NOT expose the instrument cluster to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Any overexposure to direct sunlight permanently warps the internal mask of the instrument cluster, causing the pointers to stick. It is acceptable to store the instrument cluster on the floor of the vehicle, gauges facing up, out of direct sunlight.
- DO NOT do an electrical "HOT SWAP" when replacing or testing clusters. Ensure that the ignition is OFF with the M1 fuse removed, or the battery negative cable is disconnected. Partial mating of the cluster connector circuits can damage and/or destroy the cluster microprocessor if power is available.
- DO NOT swap clusters between vehicles. The instrument cluster has learned information stored in its microprocessor for Airbags, Anti-Lock Brakes, Cruise, and Smart Key Immobilizer. Swapping clusters between cars, may result in the improper illumination of cluster indicators associated with the above features.

REMOVAL
1. Open hood.

Fig.4 Disconnect And Isolate Battery Negative Cable:

2. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable (Fig. 4).
3. Remove the instrument cluster bezel.

Fig.16 Instrument Cluster:

Fig.17 Instrument Cluster Remove/Install:

4. Remove four screws to the instrument cluster (Fig. 16) and pull straight back to release off of self-docking connectors (Fig. 17).

Fig.9 Cluster Area Support Panel Remove/Install:

5. Remove the four screws to the cluster area support panel (Fig. 9).
6. Lift out of instrument panel and release self-locking connectors from panel.
7. Remove panel from vehicle.

INSTALLATION
1. Install self-docking connectors on panel.
2. Install panel to instrument panel with four screws (Fig. 9).
3. Align the cluster over the self-docking connectors and push firmly into place until seated.
4. Install four screws to the instrument cluster (Fig. 16) and pull straight back to release off of self- docking connectors (Fig. 17).
5. Install the instrument cluster bezel.
6. Connect the battery negative cable (Fig. 4).
7. Close hood.
8. Verify vehicle and system operation.