I need to re-seat my temp gauge as part of the wire swap fix. (it fell off). I've got the wires done but I am having trouble removing the clear plastic gauge cover. I have removed the two small hex bolts at the bottom but it is fastened tightly at the top. I know if I pull any more I am going to break it so I thought I would stop before I do something stupid and ask. Thanks in advance.

You will need to remove the whole gauge pod. Then you'll see the two screws you couldn't get to down by the steering column. While you've got the clear plastic part off, it's a good time to clean it with some plastic polish.

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-Chris
'85 V6 SE 4sp (SOLD)
'88 GT Auto (fun car)
'03 Sentra SE-R Spec V (Daily driver)

Yes, you will need to remove the whole instrument cluster. I done it a couple of times and have always taken the whole dash cluster from around the steering wheel out of the car and done it at my work bench - it sound scary; but it's not hard at all I can take it out and apart in about 20 minutes. The instrument pod/cluster comes out the back of the steering wheel dash surround (it's tight fit to get out but if you "hold your tongue just right" - it comes out)

Oh man, it does sound daunting. Any tips on getting the whole cluster assembly out? Where/how is it secured?

Another option I am thinking is since I can pry up the plastic cover about an inch from the bottom, I might pick up a pair of long reach needle nose pliers and try to wiggle the temp gauge back on the post without taking anything apart further. Something like this:

http://www.harborfreight.co...taf?Itemnumber=38598

Do you think it would work or should I bite the bullet and pull the whole thing out?

Oh somebody please tell us how to remove the whole gauge cluster console from the car. Pretty please? Thanks!

I can't find the link right now but the 86 Fiero Factory Service Manual has been scanned and is online somewhere. It's about a 19MB PDF file. Step by step instructiona and diagrams are in the book for what you need.

Im going from memory, but I think you tilt the wheel full down. There are 3 or 4 phillips screws in the top facing the seat, you drop down a trim panel at the bottom of dash under steering column, there are a few screws under it. The wiring is a ribbon wire harness that clips into a connector in the back side, then the plastic face is held on to the cluster with 4 or 5 small hex head screws.

Okay I'll describe the dash cluster remove procedure I used as best I can

To remove the whole instrument cluster from around the dash do the following

Disconnect the battery first to remove all electrical power from the car - if you don't you may short something out - if fact you likely will...

Remove the left headlight switch /dimmer cover - four torix screws
Disconnect headlight/running light switch and disconnect dash dimmer adjuster connector plugs

Remove the right side switch cover (trunk release and window defogger) - four torix screws
Disconnect the two switches connector plugs

Remove the top back cover - five torix screws on top - two 7mm screws from the bottom
Remove the bottom cover - four 7mm screws

Unplug the two connectors from the back side of the instrument pod.
Remove all clips holding wiring harness on back of instrument pod

Unplug the connector plug on the bottom left side of the instrument pod
Remove all clip holding the wiring harness in place

Remove instrument cover trim - four torix screws

Next remove two large bolts (I don't remember the exact size 13mm maybe) from the bottom of the steer wheel dash cluster.

Lastly remove two large bolts from the top back side of the whole dash cluster (you will see a metal bracket that goes under the instrument pod)

The entire dash cluster should come right out now.

Next at you work bench remove all the 7mm screws hold the instrument pod in the dash cluster.

You should now be able to remove the instrument pod from the dash cluster.

Once the instrument pod is out you can remove the clear plastic piece and get to the gauges to. Carefull which screws you remove as things will start falling every where if you are not careful

Assembly is just the above in reverse.

If your oil pressure gauge pegs (like mine did) after you put the dash cluster back in you need to wiggle the right rear instrument connector to get a proper connection.

[This message has been edited by W Scott (edited 02-02-2010).]

I've got a thread with pics around here some where.

Don't have a manual? There are FREE downloads of them. http://www.fieronews.net/fusion/downloads.php

It will save someone the 20 minutes it takes to type out something that's in the book.

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My World of Wheels Winners (Click on links below)

3.4L Supercharged 87 GT and Super Duty 4 Indy #163

quote Originally posted by fierosound: Don't have a manual? There are FREE downloads of them. http://www.fieronews.net/fusion/downloads.php It will save someone the 20 minutes it takes to type out something that's in the book.

LOL - You're right - it took me longer to think about and type it than it actually did for me to simply do this on my Fiero.

[This message has been edited by W Scott (edited 02-03-2010).]

Thanks all. I got it all done last night. You were right, it really was pretty straightforward once I got into it. Thanks again, I am amazed at how helpful everyone is in this forum!