1996 - 1999 Gauge Cluster Removal (Floor Shift Only)

From Taurus Car Club Maintenance and Modification Wiki

Thanks to TCCA Member mcgilles for the pictures and write-up.

First remove the two hex head screws from under the climate control vents trim piece, which also surrounds the instrument cluster. I believe a 7mm socket fits them.

That piece is held in place by 4 metal clips, so after you remove the screws it just pops out. It may take a bit of force especially the first time. Lower the steering column to the lowest setting so you can get to it easier. I have found the best way to get a hold of it is to point the A/C vents downwards, and you can find a small lip on the bottom of that opening, it's as good of a handle as anything. After you get that off, you have full access to the instrument cluster.

Remove the 4 gold-colored hex head screws on each corner of the instrument cluster. These hold it onto the car. I think I used a 9mm socket on these.

After the screws are removed the cluster will come out easily. Tilt the cluster up so it can fit out of the hole in the dash. Be careful as there are still electrical connectors on the back, so don't yank on it.

Turn the cluster over and disconnect the two electrical connectors on the back. They are keyed so when you put it back in, they will only go in one way. There is a slot for a 3rd connector which is unused on my car. Maybe on the '96s (where there was a lot more stuff in the cluster) there may be 3 connectors to disconnect.

And that's it, after removing those two, the IC comes right out. Sorry to all the column shifter people, ours is much easier to remove. If you want to remove the lens, to change the needles, paint the bezel, or anything like that, then remove the torx screws around the outside of the cluster, just like in the other tutorial.

Installation is the reverse of removal.