Why does my instrument cluster not pull out, even after removing the screws from my 1993 dodge dakota, bulbs burned out and Im trying to replace them, any ideas anyone?

Hi, it's possible the bulb is burned out or not making good contact with the circuit board. It should come on during the bulb check when you first turn the key on. Pull out the cluster and check the bulb. If it's good, see if you can clean the contact surfaces to get it working again. Or, move to another state where they don't worry about stupid things like a light bulb.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

See Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Fig. Fig. 1: To remove the instrument cluster, first remove the trim panel by removing the lower fascia panel

Fig. Fig. 2: With the lower fascia moved aside, remove the lower trim panel attaching screws ...

Fig. Fig. 3: ... as well as the upper attaching screws

Fig. Fig. 4: Then pull the entire instrument trim panel from the dash board

Fig. Fig. 5: Exploded view of the instrument cluster

Fig. Fig. 6: Rear view of the instrument cluster wire routing and connections

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
2. Remove the two steering column shroud-to-panel retaining screws and remove the shroud.
3. Remove the lower instrument panel trim.
4. Remove the cluster trim cover from the instrument panel by removing the eight screws.
5. Remove the four instrument cluster to panel retaining screws.
6. Position the cluster slightly away from the panel for access to the back of the cluster to disconnect the speedometer.

If there is not sufficient access to disengage the speedometer cable from the speedometer, it may be necessary to remove the speedometer cable at the transmission and pull cable through cowl, to allow room to reach the speedometer quick disconnect.

1. Disconnect the wiring harness connector from the printed circuit, and any bulb-and-socket assemblies from the wiring harness to the cluster assembly and remove the cluster assembly from the instrument panel.

To install:

1. Apply approximately 1 / 8 in. diameter ball of D7AZ-19A331-A Silicone Dielectric compound or equivalent in the drive hole of the speedometer head.
2. Position the cluster near its opening in the instrument panel.
3. Connect the wiring harness connector to the printed circuit, and any bulb-and-socket assemblies from the wiring harness to the cluster assembly.
4. Position the cluster to the instrument panel and install the four cluster to panel retaining screws.
5. Install the panel trim covers and the steering column shroud.
6. Connect the battery ground cable.
7. Check operation of all gauges, lamps and signals.

Sure Can

Buy bulb number 161

Instrument Cluster Finish Panel

Removal and Installation

1. Remove three screws along the bottom of instrument panel steering column cover (04459). Pull on instrument panel steering column cover to unsnap the three clips across the top of the instrument panel steering column cover. Remove the lower instrument panel steering column cover.



2. Remove four screws retaining the steering column shrouds (3530) together and remove the steering column shrouds.

3. Remove the three screws retaining the bottom of the cluster instrument panel finish panel (044D70).

4. Remove two screws retaining the cluster instrument panel finish panel above the instrument cluster face.

5. Pull cluster instrument panel finish panel to unsnap one retaining clip above the LH A/C register (19893).

6. Pull cluster instrument panel finish panel to unsnap three retaining clips on the RH side vertical edge.

7. Pull cluster instrument panel finish panel away from instrument panel (04320) far enough to disconnect the wiring connector(s).

8. To install, reverse Removal procedure.

I've never done #2, and #1 refers to the panel below the steering column. To remove it completely, pull it towards the driver's seat. There may be retaining clasps on it also.

First thing to do is make sure your dimmer switch is turned all the way up to high. Next thing to do is check the instrument cluster fuse located underneath the drivers side steering wheel (bottom left side). Remove the fuse box cover lid and then flip the plastic fuse box cover over and you will find a small diagram showing where this fuse is located. Replace this fuse with a new one of the same number amp. Last thing to do is remove the cluster from your dash and check each light bulb and replace the bulb that is burned out. Sometimes when one bulb burns out, all of the lights won't work on the display. If that does not get it working again then you will need to remove the instrument cluster and just simply replace it for another used one found in your local junkyard. The instrument cluster is removed by prying off the plastic or simulated wood bezel that surrounds the drivers side dash and then removing four to six phillips screws with a phillips screwdriver. After you remove these screws, pull the cluster out and then disconnect the electrical plugs at the rear of your unit by pressing the clips together and then pulling away (at the same time)

You must remove the dash bezel. Remove screws, and pop off plastic bezel, be careful it is easy to break.
Remove the screws holding the clear plastic cover of the instrument cover, be careful not to scratch it.
Now the instrument cluster can be removed by taking out the small screws holding it into the dash.
Pay strict attention to the various plug connectors.
Now you can replace any or all of the bulbs, assem
ble in reverse order.
Please let me know how it goes.

Remove the 5 mounting screws from the instrument cluster trim plate and remove the trim plate. Remove the 4 mounting screws from the instrument panel face plate and remove the face plate.Remove the instrument light grid from the center of the cluster. From behind the instrument cluster reach behind the speedometer and disconnect the speedometer cable by releasing the tab. Pull the cluster forward just enough to detach the "check engine" light bulb from the center of the cluster. Remove the instrument cluster from the dashboard.

have to remove cover around cluster then remove screws holding cluster in, pull cluster out and unplug connector, then change all the bulbs while its out, hope this helps, good luck.

Hello, You can obtain a 2004 Ram Factory Service Manual with all of that information available from Promanuals.net. The reason why it may be so important is because right before the removal instructions the service manual has diagnostic instructions to try. There are numerous pages on removing the instrument cluster, and cluster bezel.

(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. (For Airbag)

(2) Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - REMOVAL).

(3) Remove the four screws that secure the instrument
cluster to the instrument panel structural support
(Fig. 5).

(4) Pull the instrument cluster rearward far
enough to access and disconnect the instrument
panel wire harness connectors for the cluster from
the connector receptacles on the back of the cluster
housing.

(5) Remove the instrument cluster from the instrument
panel.

Probably too late but I had the same problem yesterday. Try changing your battery. It sounds crazy but it worked for me.

Unfortunately you must remove the cluster to gain access to these bulbs. Remove radio, heater fan knobs, temp slider knobs,and temp control faceplate (carefully remove bulb in faceplate), then remove the Phillips screws inside the holes where these came out that hold the cluster . unscrew or unclip and remove the speedo cable from the back of the cluster. you may have to disconnect some electrical jacks (remember where and how they go back in!) to gain complete access. Then it's just a matter of pulling out the little bulbs and replacing them. Because this is so involved I would replace ALL of them at once. Hope this helps...;-)