Replacing Instrument Cluster

Most instruction manuals say to remove your steering wheel (and airbag) to remove the instrument cluster. This is entirely unnecessary. Took me maybe 5 to 10 minutes by using the following way. Faster than removing the interior panels, steering wheel, and air bag.

Warning, do not force anything. If you can't get it position right move it and try again. Adjusting the steering wheel helps. When you get it right it slides out easily with no major effort or rubbing. You never have to force anything, like tugging on the steering wheel, etc.

1. With the ignition key turned off, remove the wire from the negative battery terminal.
2. Get in the car, insert key and turn far enough to unlock steering wheel.
3. Remove the knobs on either side of the dash (fog and headlights) by twisting counter clockwise and unthreading them.
4. Remove two screws holding instrument [gauge] cluster. They are located above the cluster in plain site. Use a torx wrench of appropriate size, or a 3mm hex wrench also works.
5. Slide the gauges forward, it might be easier by trying to get your finger underneath them at the top.
6. Rotate the steering wheel slightly clockwise ( the top of the airbag is like \ ) Pull the gauge out slightly on the right side.
7. Unhook the wire on the right side by flipping the lever up (you have to press in on the tab on the back to flip the lever), the lever will pull it most of the way out. Pull it the rest of the way out.
8. Push the cluster back into place (don't damage the wire).
9. Rotate the steering wheel slightly counter clockwise (so it looks like / ) and slide the gauge partially out on the left side, it helps to lean the top forward. Remove the two wires by pressing in on the tab and flipping the levers up.
10. Return the wheel to center and position the cluster face down against the steering wheel with the screw tabs on the front/top of the gauge hooked on the front of the air bag.
11. Slowly rotate the wheel counter clockwise until you can slide the cluster out between the left side by the high beam/blinker switch.
12. Install in reverse order.

I will try to post some pictures later.