How to Remove an Instrument Cluster on a Bonneville
by Russell WoodThe instrument cluster on a Pontiac Bonneville is your direct line into the operating components of your engine. It tells you how fast you're going, how much gas you have and how many revolutions per minute your engine is turning. Unfortunately, if one of the gauges stops working, then most likely the entire cluster needs to be replaced. That's because the individual gauges inside of the cluster aren't serviceable. So if you need to fix the problem, the entire cluster needs to be replaced with a new one.
Step 1
Pop the hood. Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery with an open-end wrench. Pry out the trim plate around the instrument panel using your hands, then pull it up and towards the back of the car.
Step 2
Tilt the steering column down with your hands. Remove the screws holding the steering column filler to the dashboard using the Phillips-head screwdriver. Then remove the dimmer and twilight sentinel control knob from the headlight switch. Unplug the cigar lighter plug and then pull the panel away from the dash.
Step 3
Unscrew the instrument cluster from the dashboard using the Phillips-head screwdriver. Twist the cluster around so you can reach the connector on the back side. Unplug the connector and pull the cluster from the dashboard.
Things You'll Need
- Open-end wrench set
- Phillips-head screwdriver
Writer Bio
Russell Wood is a writer and photographer who attended Arizona State University. He has been building custom cars and trucks since 1994, including several cover vehicles. In 2000 Wood started a career as a writer, and since then he has dedicated his business to writing and photographing cars and trucks, as well as helping people learn more about how vehicles work.
