dash bulb replacement

One of the bulbs that illuminates the gas guage of my 03 chevy venture is burned out. I read on the internet that the whole guage cluster assembly has to be replaced because the whole unit is sealed to prevent tampering. Is this true? If this isn't true, it looks like I'll have to lower the shifter/steering wheel column to do this. Is it necessary to disconnect the battery or can I safely do this job w/o disconnecting it? Thanks

i can see the tampering but you should be able to change one it's a circit board. but when o dom quits working yah they are suppose to send it in. anyway you should be able to undo few screws.oh and yes take neg cable off.