Remove cluster without removing steering wheel?
 

Does anyone know of a "trick" way of removing the instrument cluster without removing the steering wheel on a late car with the airbag wheel? I would like to replace the instrument bulbs, but I do not want to risk creating any problems with the airbag system......like it deploying! I have heard rumors that it can be removed without messing with the wheel.

Not on airbag cars. But it's really not that hard to do.

Disconnect the battery and let the car sit for a couple of minutes and you won't have any problems with the airbags. Just remember to have the airbag plugged in before you turn on the ignition, or you will have to go through the airbag light reset procedure.

Good luck, Keith

Just take the wheel off, disconnect battery (i like to let it sit for an hour), two torx screws on the back (T25 i think) to pull the airbag off, i think two phillips heads holding the clock spring on and the one big 24mm (15/16 works also) nut in the center. Mark the orientation of the wheel on the splined shaft before removal.

Yes you can do it. Unscrew the surround for the cluster. when taking it out, start at the vents, then the center squeeze slightly the top & bottom toward each other slightly and slide to the right.

Yup. I've done it before. You have to be careful and take your time, but I'm sure its faster than taking the wheel off.

I also did this on my 89 S2 the other week to replace the 3 instrument cluster light bulbs as they were dim..One ended up being burnt out and other two weak..looks alot better and only took about half hour.

Gregg S.

Sure can, at least I did it on my 968.