How To Remove An Instrument Cluster In A 2007-2014 Chevy Suburban
Is your instrument cluster in your Suburban acting up? Are your gauges not working? Are the backlights dim or dark? It’s time to pull it out of your dash. Here is an easy-to-follow guide on how to remove an instrument cluster in a 2007-2014 Chevrolet Suburban.
Options
Image Credit: UniversoulBBQ
With a cluster that is not working, you generally have two options:
- Fix it (This option depends on the component)
- Replace it
Either way, you have to remove your instrument cluster from your dash if you choose to replace it or if you choose to repair it. This is actually easier than it seems. Here's an overview of the process:
Preparation
Removing your instrument cluster sounds daunting, however, it is a relatively easy process. There are two things you need to do before you get started:
- Park your car on a flat surface and engage the parking brake
- Disconnect your vehicle's battery
In addition to preparing your vehicle, it is best to gather the tools you'll need for the job ahead of time. You will need the following tools to remove your instrument cluster:
- Interior trim removal tool or flat blade
- Phillips head screwdriver
- A 7mm wrench
How To Remove The Instrument Cluster
- Put your key in the ignition and turn it to the on position. Place your foot on the brake and move the shift lever to its lowest position. Remove the key from the ignition.
- Tilt the steering wheel to its lowest position.
- On the left of the instrument cluster, you will find an air vent. Use the interior trim removal tool or flat blade to pop it out. It is held in by three clips, two on the vent and one on the trim piece.
- On the right of the instrument cluster, there is a trim piece with air vents. There are three clips that need to be loosened in order to gain access to the screw behind it. Use the interior trim removal tool or flat blade to loosen the trim piece and the two vents. Once it is loosened, you should have enough room to access the screw that was hidden by the trim piece.
- Using your Phillips head screwdriver, remove the two screws hidden by each trim piece and the two screws on the top of the instrument cluster.
- Once the screws are removed, remove the plastic covering for the instrument cluster.
- There is another plastic covering in front of the gauge cluster held in by four clips. This piece can be difficult to remove due to the placement and tightness of the clips. Using your hands, grab behind the top left of the covering and apply an outward force to loosen the clip. Then, repeat with the top right, bottom right and bottom left.
- Locate the four 7mm bolts that hold the gauge cluster in place. Using your wrench, remove the bolts and be careful not to drop the screws into the dash.
- Pull the instrument cluster out of the dash and turn it so the gauges face up in order for you to access the wiring harness in the back. Press the tab to release the clip and unplug the harness.
Note: The process to remove the gauge cluster in the 2007-2014 Suburban is slightly different than the process to remove the gauge cluster in the similar 2007-2014 Silverado due to the different dashboard design.
Summing Up
If you’ve stumbled across this, it's likely the gauge cluster on your 2007-2014 Suburban is failing. Removing the gauge cluster is simple and just requires basic tools and some elbow grease. Once you have the gauge cluster out, ISS Automotive can help you get an OEM replacement cluster or even repair your cluster. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding our repair or replacement services.