just as general information, on 2nd gen saturns, the dash cover has 2 bolts on top in the middle (under some square covers that pop right off), then its just clipped on, so just pull straight up, or use a flathead screwdriver to pry it up.
You definitely don't need to take the dash pad off or drop the steering column. Instead, just remove the plastic collar around the steering column (2 screws) and the bezel and cluster can come out around the rest.
I just replace the bulbs on my car (01 Saturn SC1) and all I did was remove 4 screws, didn't remove the top, did not touch anything under it, I just lifted the top and just lowered the steering wheel
Rich, I can read my odometer but it is not lit up. I use to be able to tap the top off the cluster to turn it on. Is this light separate from the dash lights. I think the cluster will have to come out to fix it.
Very helpful film for me, I need to replace some bulbs on the dashboard and to replace the data Link Connector. I know already that to disable AirBag: You remove 10A Fuse (2nd fm top on the very right) in Passenger department and WAIT ~ 30min! But can that Air Bag explode w/no power, if you mishandle it? Thank you for the great film.
rich pin why do you have to do all that work? on my car which has the same dash all i had to do is to remove the dash pad, remove the 2 screws on top & the connector on top & just lift the cluster straight up. no need to remove the trim or lower the column....
I got the number 74 bulbs and they don't seem to fit I am just going to go to crazy rays to get a whole instrument cluster and take the bulbs out of that
Rich - you have become my go to guy for my daughters 2000 sl2; (thanks to your vids, got my fuel pump working without the major surgery I expected - loose connector in trunk) Now going for the dash lights...I see a note that says "you can skip this step if you want" - are you referring to dropping the column which starts just after that note? ...I will click away at any Google ads...lol.. ty, sir...
If I remove my cluster and replace it with a used one, what will the mileage be on the speedometer? I read that the actual mileage stays in the ecm, but will the mileage be whatever I install on the odometer?
So there are eight lights to change in the cluster? some of mine have gone out and i want to change all to blue led's. do you know what size bulbs they are, i think they are 161LL but i just want to make sure, thanks in advance.
Hey rich, I have a 2000 SL2, am I going to need to go through this to replace my radio unit? Or is there an easier way to just take that one panel off?
Just a comment. If you remove instrument cluster after such a big job, its better to replace all bulbs to new ones, because if you change one blown bulb and you put it back and after few days maybe some other bulb is going bad then you have to remove all that stuff again. Seems like a lot of work.
Hey Rich, I was wondering if you knew the bulb sizes for a 98 Saturn SL. I replaced the bulbs for the dials for the A/C and air location but the LED bulbs I purchased do not fit the A/C and Circulation buttons as well as the fan switch to lower or increase the air flow... I hope that made sense lol
Is it really necessary to drop the steering column out of the way in order to remove the cluster to change bulbs? I know this is probably a stupid question, but that seems like quite a bit of extra effort. I guess my real question is, is the steering column actually in the way of changing bulbs, or did you only remove it because you were planning to take it further apart anyway?
we replaced instrument cluster with used one but mileage is wrong and the numbers are not changing. also the tripomoter numbers are not changing. I was told the BCM stores the mileage as was mentioned in another comment here and that the instrument cluster had to "learn" the vehicle. Can anyone explain the process of this? Is there anything we should have done after installing used cluster to cause the mileage to read correctly? How long will it take for cluster to "learn" the vehicle?
Hi Rich, Love your vids they helped me more than once, My new question is on a SL1 cluster, I have some lights out, but have heard you can't just replace the bulbs, that they are LEDs soldered to the circuit board, is this true?
+toga67jr I have not looked inside the gen 3 cluster to know if they are soldered bulbs.Looking on the outside it does make me think there might be because there seems less than the earlier saturns.
my dome instrument bulb went out I can't read the panel at night cause it doesn't light up but this is insane to try to just replace a bulb to go through all this no thanks
It's not too hard. It's the same steps as a radio removal/install just with one extra step. All you need is a socket wrench with a 7mm bit and a 7/32" or 5.56mm bit for the smaller screws, and a socket extension for getting the two deep screws holding the panel on top of the steering wheel. Good luck!
RapIsDeadly this is actually way too many steps. after the first two screws, you remove the dash. two more screws retain the cluster. after that, remove the connector to the cluster and boom. pull that bad boy out. no reason to drop the wheel or remove shroud. wow
I guess its time for me to do a quick 5 minute video showing the cluster removal taking nowhere near as much apart, without breaking anything...visit my channel soon..
Rich, you tore that dash apart like a boss.
Thanks RichPin. Your videos have helped me with a few jobs and now replacing the odometer bulb in the cluster!
I can confirm you only have to take off the dash pad to access the instrument cluster. Replaced my lights today with some colored LEDs. :)
just as general information, on 2nd gen saturns, the dash cover has 2 bolts on top in the middle (under some square covers that pop right off), then its just clipped on, so just pull straight up, or use a flathead screwdriver to pry it up.
Yes on the gen three 00-02 you do not have to lower the steering column.Lower steering column by pushing down on steering column adjusting handle.
Most instrument clusters have bulbs in them that illuminate.The bad part is most clusters have to be removed to change them.
Glad to hear that.
Have you tried taking the bulbs you have down to your local parts store to see if they can match up what you have.
I've had to do this in similar and different ways on different vehicles. It's a pain in the ass. You really made short work of it.
On Gen3s the mileage is stored in the BCM (little black box behind the cluster under the dash pad, not in the cluster.
You definitely don't need to take the dash pad off or drop the steering column. Instead, just remove the plastic collar around the steering column (2 screws) and the bezel and cluster can come out around the rest.
@omarG19100 Yes there is it is called a bulb and you have to remove the instrument cluster and on the back side you will find the bulb.
I just replace the bulbs on my car (01 Saturn SC1) and all I did was remove 4 screws, didn't remove the top, did not touch anything under it, I just lifted the top and just lowered the steering wheel
Rich, I can read my odometer but it is not lit up. I use to be able to tap the top off the cluster to turn it on. Is this light separate from the dash lights. I think the cluster will have to come out to fix it.
Very helpful film for me, I need to replace some bulbs on the dashboard and to replace the data Link Connector. I know already that to disable AirBag: You remove 10A Fuse (2nd fm top on the very right) in Passenger department and WAIT ~ 30min! But can that Air Bag explode w/no power, if you mishandle it? Thank you for the great film.
@richpin06a my odometer light went out , but the numbers still count. IS THERE A FUSE OR SOMETHING TO RESTORE THE LIGHT?
Thanks Rich! Mission accomplished!
rich pin why do you have to do all that work? on my car which has the same dash all i had to do is to remove the dash pad, remove the 2 screws on top & the connector on top & just lift the cluster straight up. no need to remove the trim or lower the column....
I got the number 74 bulbs and they don't seem to fit I am just going to go to crazy rays to get a whole instrument cluster and take the bulbs out of that
For a '02 Saturn SC1, do you have to go through all that to remove/replace the radio?
Rich - you have become my go to guy for my daughters 2000 sl2; (thanks to your vids, got my fuel pump working without the major surgery I expected - loose connector in trunk) Now going for the dash lights...I see a note that says "you can skip this step if you want" - are you referring to dropping the column which starts just after that note? ...I will click away at any Google ads...lol.. ty, sir...
If I remove my cluster and replace it with a used one, what will the mileage be on the speedometer?
I read that the actual mileage stays in the ecm, but will the mileage be whatever I install on the odometer?
The mileage is stored in the BCM
Mileage is set by dealer.
Mileage is stored in vehicle not instrument cluster
So there are eight lights to change in the cluster? some of mine have gone out and i want to change all to blue led's. do you know what size bulbs they are, i think they are 161LL but i just want to make sure, thanks in advance.
I believe gen3s are in the same place.It does sound like a possible bad resistor.
I was wondering
why you dropped
the steering column ?
Good video
Richpin.
😇😆🐬😇
I believe the manual i read said to do it.
richpin06a no need for all that. cluster pops up, after 4 screws. that's it.
Hey rich, I have a 2000 SL2, am I going to need to go through this to replace my radio unit? Or is there an easier way to just take that one panel off?
Is the resistor on top of the dash in this gen? Becauase my third heat setting i not working.... resistor right?
Just a comment. If you remove instrument cluster after such a big job, its better to replace all bulbs to new ones, because if you change one blown bulb and you put it back and after few days maybe some other bulb is going bad then you have to remove all that stuff again. Seems like a lot of work.
do you have any videos on how to remove the 99 saturn sc dash pad, thanks
Hey Rich, I was wondering if you knew the bulb sizes for a 98 Saturn SL. I replaced the bulbs for the dials for the A/C and air location but the LED bulbs I purchased do not fit the A/C and Circulation buttons as well as the fan switch to lower or increase the air flow... I hope that made sense lol
+Derp Ninja Those bulbs for the buttons are one piece with the holder and i do not know there number.
Yes except you do not have to remove the instrument cluster.
Is it really necessary to drop the steering column out of the way in order to remove the cluster to change bulbs? I know this is probably a stupid question, but that seems like quite a bit of extra effort. I guess my real question is, is the steering column actually in the way of changing bulbs, or did you only remove it because you were planning to take it further apart anyway?
Ah, sorry - I re-watched in an attempt to find out if it was in the way myself, and saw your annotation. Thanks for the much needed assistance.
sho0ptydo0
I am glad you found that annotation so you did not have to lower the steering column.
@@RichpinTv I need some help
Do you no if it stores the miles thank?
I need some help on a issue I'm having
we replaced instrument cluster with used one but mileage is wrong and the numbers are not changing. also the tripomoter numbers are not changing. I was told the BCM stores the mileage as was mentioned in another comment here and that the instrument cluster had to "learn" the vehicle. Can anyone explain the process of this? Is there anything we should have done after installing used cluster to cause the mileage to read correctly? How long will it take for cluster to "learn" the vehicle?
U have to take to dealer to reset mileage ... mileage is stored in vehicle not cluster
Sorry to say but you have to go right up to 7:35 of this video to be able to replace your radio.
Hi Rich, Love your vids they helped me more than once, My new question is on a SL1 cluster, I have some lights out, but have heard you can't just replace the bulbs, that they are LEDs soldered to the circuit board, is this true?
+toga67jr I have not looked inside the gen 3 cluster to know if they are soldered bulbs.Looking on the outside it does make me think there might be because there seems less than the earlier saturns.
richpin06a Thanks for your reply
The dash bulbs on the S-series are # 74
Any auto parts store should have them.
Where can you find the bulbs?
The easiest way is to remove the top dash pad then you can get at the computer.
THANKS!
I have a video on 95-99 s-series cluster removal which shows it.
my dome instrument bulb went out I can't read the panel at night cause it doesn't light up but this is insane to try to just replace a bulb to go through all this no thanks
It's not too hard. It's the same steps as a radio removal/install just with one extra step. All you need is a socket wrench with a 7mm bit and a 7/32" or 5.56mm bit for the smaller screws, and a socket extension for getting the two deep screws holding the panel on top of the steering wheel. Good luck!
Agree. The only cluster is see here is a cluster fuck. I'd never get this back together...no thank you.
RapIsDeadly this is actually way too many steps. after the first two screws, you remove the dash. two more screws retain the cluster. after that, remove the connector to the cluster and boom. pull that bad boy out. no reason to drop the wheel or remove shroud. wow
Would this be similar to taking it out of an lseries saturn?
The bad news is no but the good news is i did one on the L and this is the link to it ua-cam.com/video/Dv4EBpssgaU/v-deo.html
@picbuck If you would like to thank me click on any google ads that you see in my videos they give me a few cents for your clicks...thank you Rich
@richpin06a DAMN IT LOL. oh well another job to be done. THANKS MAN.
@karlakatie2215 They are GE #73
@mazzmari Almost like i knew what i was doing
that is a 2000 SL1
Ya i get that alot.......not......LOL
I guess its time for me to do a quick 5 minute video showing the cluster removal taking nowhere near as much apart, without breaking anything...visit my channel soon..
is brando a guy cuz if u r u telling rich hes hot something wrong then lo