Removing Instrument Panel

[mini zilo]

I am installing an autometer c2 boost gauge, and I am to the point where i need to wire the light for the gauge. I am going off of the guide on vfaq which says "Remove your instrument cluster bezel. unplug the three switches, and move the bezel out of the way." I want to tap the wires at the dimmer switch. However, im not sure how to get the instrument panel off to get access to the dimmer switch... I could only remove the lower part below the steering wheel. I searched but could not find and answer, so hopefully someone can help... Also, since my guage has to wires...one for the 12v and one for the ground, what is a good place to ground?( I searched this as well but i found nothing, at least nothing i understood.

 

[Lunch_Box]

There should be 4 screws hold the cluster in place. Take those out, remove the plastic trim piece around the cluster and it should just slide out. For a ground I just use one of the bolts that hold the ECU in place.

 

[luv2rallye]

Also, since my guage has to wires...one for the 12v and one for the ground, what is a good place to ground

The ground actually goes on the dimmer switch's black/yellow wire if you want it to dim (the dimmer connects it to ground). If you just always want full brightness, any metal chassis will work (and then you don't need to remove the cluster).

 

[travislaw]

Or you could just run the wires to the cigarette lighter light (the ring that lights up around the cigarette lighter) and tap the wire into that power source. Then the gauge lights only come on when you turn your lights on as well.

 

[DGajre777]

Or you could just run the wires to the cigarette lighter light (the ring that lights up around the cigarette lighter) and tap the wire into that power source. Then the gauge lights only come on when you turn your lights on as well.

^^^ That's what I did.

 

[mini zilo]

The ground actually goes on the dimmer switch's black/yellow wire if you want it to dim (the dimmer connects it to ground). If you just always want full brightness, any metal chassis will work (and then you don't need to remove the cluster).

im reading off of the vfaq and it says the two wires i need our the green with white stripes ( is this the 12v side) and the black wire with yellow stripes and red spacers ( and this is the ground side? and one last thing, is it neccesary to unplug the battery when wiring this?

 

[joesansone17]

I wired it to the cigarette lighter light. its easy to get to and you have space to work with . On the gauge cluster bezel there is two screws on top and then that pops out. Then around the cluster it self there are four screws. one in each corner. then it slides right out.

 

[mini zilo]

ok i got the cluster out and i got the wires that i need to tap. thanks everyone for your help

 

[FORMONTOYA]

What really sucks is that I got to the dimmer switch for my gauges from underneath the dash....didn't remove sh!t.

Oh well.