I'm trying to remove my instrument cluster (dealer needs to reprogram it for the correct mileage), but I can't figure out how to do it. I understood it's a 15 minute process, but upon attempting it I got very discouraged.

About removing the plastic trim around the cluster, Helms manual goes as far in depth as saying "remove as shown"...and they provide a diagram of a removed plastic trim...

Unfortunately it doesn't just come off, the steering wheel is in the way.

On the page about instrument cluster removal, they address this problem by saying "lower the steering column." This is the factory Helms manual

So has anyone ever removed this thing? It's not a 15 minute process, or is it? Do I need to take off the steering wheel or the engine or something to get to the instrument cluster?

 

1) Remove plastic trim around turn signal and wiper levers. Bottom one has 3 screws, top one snaps off.

2) Remove the 2 screws that hold the bezel to the dash, directly above the cluster.

3) Yank. Have fun. The harness is kinda short, so it takes a little work.

 

Plastic trim around the steering wheel....will try that. So I don't have to remove the entire wheel hopefully...

 

Correct. You do not need to remove the steering wheel.

 

Ok I got the thing out....but now I'm trying to mess with putting the plastic trim back in. Nothing seems to work. Whatever I do seems to want to break something. Does anyone remember any special method to do it?

 

Yea. Don't break anything.

Tilt top towards you, insert bottom first.

 

the steering wheel has to be lowered! there are a couple nuts/bolts down the steering column...once those are removed, the wheel can be completely angled down so you can remove the cluster. search this on s2ki, there plenty of write-ups about it.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by fish22 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the steering wheel has to be lowered! there are a couple nuts/bolts down the steering column...once those are removed, the wheel can be completely angled down so you can remove the cluster. search this on s2ki, there plenty of write-ups about it.</TD></TR></TABLE>

You're late, he's already done. Hahhahaha. He's trying to put it back in.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by fish22 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the steering wheel has to be lowered! there are a couple nuts/bolts down the steering column...once those are removed, the wheel can be completely angled down so you can remove the cluster. search this on s2ki, there plenty of write-ups about it.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Fak. I already put it back in...and scratched the hell out of everything!! At least with the next S2000 I own with a defective gauge cluster that the dealer in Florida replaced but forgot to recalibrate before the private owner sold it to me, I'll know what to do