another instrument cluster thread

[tonytony]

Anyway, the right side of my cluster(tach and temp) lights went out. Question is do I have to remove the steering wheel to get the cluster out easily? if I do, i have an air bag steering wheel, how would I disconnect the airbag? thanks a bunch, let the info flow :D

[kowalski]

you dont have to take the steering wheel off, you can wiggle the dash out fine. iv done it many many times.

[ZiMMie]

i pull the steerin wheel. u know how easy it is to scatch the cluster?? takin out the steering wheel its piece of cake so y not do it save ur self the hastle.

[AdironRider]

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/JF-Tech/E30_Instrument_light_replacement.htm

[kowalski]

iv done it probably 15-20 times and i have yet to scratch the cluster or break anything... but to each his own, do the extra work if it makes you feel comfortable about removing the cluster.

[tonytony]

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/JF-Tech/E30_Instrument_light_replacement.htm

thanks a lot

[AdironRider]

No problem man

[jht3]

pull the trim ring, then slide the cluster out. throw a towel over the steering column and wheel. hardest part is getting my paws behind the cluster to unplug everything

when i lost all dash lights i traced it to a bad headlight switch. when i fixed that i foudn 1/2 my dash (right half) was dead and also the OBC when the headlights were on. replaced the bulb and it was still dead. turned out my cluster was bad, and after tearing down the whole cluster i fixed two dead traces (left turn signal wasn't working either) and now i have all lights. i have a thread on here about it.

also pulling the wheel is easy, at least for me w/o an airbag. 22mm socket and in impact gun makes it simple. i've noticed my low fuel light doesn't come on anymore, so i'm thinking its blown. hopefully it'll just be the bulb this time and i MIGHT be able to change it w/o pulling the cluster