How to Swap Instrument Clusters on a 1988 to 1991 Civic, 91 88 Replace
Unscrew the gauge cluster housing; the top 2 screws are behind pop off panels on the top of the housing., Make sure you remove the 2-3 wire harnesses in back for the hazard switch, defroster, and any other harnesses back there., Remove 4 more screws...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Unscrew the gauge cluster housing; the top 2 screws are behind pop off panels on the top of the housing.
A stubby flat head screwdriver works best here to pop off the screw covers.
Then, a stubby phillips works best to get the 2 screws out.
There are another two screws on the bottom that you'll need to remove before taking off the cover. , There may be more or less than 3 depending on the options the car has.
The harnesses are very easy to remove.
You simply squeeze with your thumb the ribbed portion, and pull.
The separate very easily, if it's giving you trouble you're not squeezing hard enough, or in the right location.
The hardest part here is having enough room for your hands to fit behind the cover., The 3 harnesses pull out just like the other ones.
The speedometer cable pulls straight out after you use your thumb to depress the little tab., The trip odometer reset button has a rubber tip that needs to be pulled off first.,, Then remove the 2 screws on the face and the face comes off.
You have to do this because it's illegal to turn back the odometer, and besides, it's just plain easier to swap the original odometer for the new one., One screw will get the button itself off, and a tiny little clip holds the rod in place.
Make sure you're in a clean work area here, because those little clips like to go flying! Also, notice that the blue plastic piece has a spring on it, more potential for parts flying! Pay close attention to how that spring goes on before removing, It's a little tricky to get on right., Now the new cluster has the old odometer in it.
Be careful that the speedo needle is pointing to zero at rest; it's capable of going on in almost any position.
If you're going to install colored face gauges or face inserts/covers, now is the time.
Same goes for an aluminum bezel.
These can be bought on eBay for $10 + shipping, and give the cluster a race look.
If you don't like the aluminum look, feel free to paint, powdercoat, or dye it!, You can replace the colors in these bulbs., The wiring harnesses and speedos go back on til they click. 3 plugs, 1 speedo cable, and 4 screws., Put the stock one back together too and sell it on eBay! -
Step 2: Make sure you remove the 2-3 wire harnesses in back for the hazard switch
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Step 3: defroster
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Step 4: and any other harnesses back there.
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Step 5: Remove 4 more screws (2 on each side)
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Step 6: then reach behind and unplug 3 plugs and unplug the speedometer cable (it unclips just like the plugs do) Then you're ready to pull the cluster out.
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Step 7: The clear plastic cover and black surround pop off as one piece.
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Step 8: Pull the screws behind the speedo (2 of them have the wires from the grey box on them ) Then the speedo comes out.
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Step 9: Carefully
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Step 10: pry the speedo needle off
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Step 11: it pulls straight off
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Step 12: but it's really tight and really fragile.
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Step 13: The trip odometer reset buttons are in a slightly different place on the 2 speedos
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Step 14: so you have to swap the buttons as well.
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Step 15: Going back together is as easy as reversing the process.
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Step 16: On top of the cluster is this little piece that holds 2 light bulbs
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Step 17: it casts an amber glow on to the gauges.
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Step 18: Put everything back together reverse of taking it off.
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Step 19: Enjoy your new tachometer.
Detailed Guide
A stubby flat head screwdriver works best here to pop off the screw covers.
Then, a stubby phillips works best to get the 2 screws out.
There are another two screws on the bottom that you'll need to remove before taking off the cover. , There may be more or less than 3 depending on the options the car has.
The harnesses are very easy to remove.
You simply squeeze with your thumb the ribbed portion, and pull.
The separate very easily, if it's giving you trouble you're not squeezing hard enough, or in the right location.
The hardest part here is having enough room for your hands to fit behind the cover., The 3 harnesses pull out just like the other ones.
The speedometer cable pulls straight out after you use your thumb to depress the little tab., The trip odometer reset button has a rubber tip that needs to be pulled off first.,, Then remove the 2 screws on the face and the face comes off.
You have to do this because it's illegal to turn back the odometer, and besides, it's just plain easier to swap the original odometer for the new one., One screw will get the button itself off, and a tiny little clip holds the rod in place.
Make sure you're in a clean work area here, because those little clips like to go flying! Also, notice that the blue plastic piece has a spring on it, more potential for parts flying! Pay close attention to how that spring goes on before removing, It's a little tricky to get on right., Now the new cluster has the old odometer in it.
Be careful that the speedo needle is pointing to zero at rest; it's capable of going on in almost any position.
If you're going to install colored face gauges or face inserts/covers, now is the time.
Same goes for an aluminum bezel.
These can be bought on eBay for $10 + shipping, and give the cluster a race look.
If you don't like the aluminum look, feel free to paint, powdercoat, or dye it!, You can replace the colors in these bulbs., The wiring harnesses and speedos go back on til they click. 3 plugs, 1 speedo cable, and 4 screws., Put the stock one back together too and sell it on eBay!
About the Author
Cynthia Freeman
Committed to making organization accessible and understandable for everyone.
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