1997 Toyota Avalon Instrument Panel light bulb replacement

CMILLERSR

MEMBER
1997 TOYOTA AVALON
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

I need to know how to remove the instrument cluster panel in order to replace the light bulbs in the instrument panel. I have removed the three screws that hold the upper piece of trim for the instrument panel but I can't get the trim piece removed. I believe the trim piece needs to be removed before I can remove any screws that are holding the instrument cluster panel in place. Any advice as to how to proceed?

Chuck Miller

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi Chuck Miller,

Thank you for the donation.

Here are the procedures, sorry I do not have any diagrams to show. If any panels are stuck without any screws holding it, it is attached with plugged clips and you need to pry/pull to release them. Care has to be taken as such clips tends to break easily.

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
CAUTION: When removing driver-side air bag, DO NOT pull on air bag wiring harness. When storing air bag, ensure pad surface faces upward.

Removal & Installation

Disable air bag system. (Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait at least 90 seconds)
Remove steering wheel.

Note : Removal of steering wheel would make job easier but you might be able to skip procedure if you tilt steering to lowest point and navigate the panels and meter cluster out.

Remove steering column covers.
Remove screw covers, retaining screws and remove
instrument panel lower finish panel.
Remove center cluster finish panel and disconnect lighter connector(s).
Remove retaining screws from instrument cluster finish panel.
Carefully remove large one-piece instrument cluster finish panel away from dash.
Disconnect electrical connectors and A/C -heater ducts.
Remove instrument cluster retaining screws.
Pull cluster outward from dash enough to disconnect wiring harness connectors and speedometer cable.
Remove instrument cluster.

To install, reverse removal procedure.
Before installing steering wheel, center spiral cable. Turn spiral clockwise slowly till resistance is felt, DO NOT FORCE. Turn spiral anticlockwise 2 turns and more if required to center the spiral, to get the TOP mark at correct position. DO NO turn more than 3 turns anticlockwise.