Reasons to Remove the Instrument Cluster

• The most common reason one would need to remove the instrument cluster is to replace it with another one. For example, if the instrument cluster is faulty, the speedometer and gauges will not work. It would be difficult to determine what speed one is traveling. Other reasons to remove the instrument cluster include replacing its gauge bulbs and disassembling the dash for modifications.
  
  

Safety Concerns

• Because the instrument cluster is located near the airbag, and removing the cluster requires removing many dash components, it's necessary to disarm the Metro's airbag before attempting to remove the instrument cluster. One can disarm the airbag by unhooking the negative battery cable and waiting 20 minutes for the power reserve system to discharge.
  
  

The Process

• Before removing the instrument cluster, it's necessary to remove the dash cover. There are eight screws holding the dash cover in place: three on top, three on the bottom and two on the sides of the dash. With these screws removed, one can partially separate the dash cover from the car to view the instrument cluster mounting bolts. There are four of them. Once the bolts are removed and the connections are unplugged from the back, the instrument cluster is separated from the Metro.