removing the instrument cluster

[gw84]

I'm trying to get my dash apart so I can fix my "gear position indicator" as I call it. The little orange indicator connected by a spring and a piece of wire to the gear shifter to show which gear you're in. I've got the part, I just can't figure out how to get into the dash to replace it. I've got the dash pad off (easy) as well as the entry panel from under the dash. i can see the hook on the gear shift where the cable will connect, but first I have to install the piece up top then drop the wire down and connect it. Hope that makes sense. I'm a little scared to take the cluster out because I've never done this sort of thing before and I want it to go back together smoothly; but I'm pretty sure it's something I'll have to do if I want this fixed. I think all I would have to be able to do is to have enough room behind the "PRNDD21" to unscrew the old piece and install the new....which shouldn't be a whole lot of room considering there are screwdrivers that are only a couple inches long.
any advice, motivation, diagrams, pics would be appreciated!

[Cubsfan24]

When I removed my cluster to swap it out with one with a tach, I took the two screws (one on each side of the cluster) out and tilted it forward and disconnected the wire harness on top. At this point the only thing keeping you from removing the cluster is the shifter cable. There are two screws on the bottom of the cluster near the edges of the gear indicator area. If you take those two screws out you should be able to separate the gear indicator area and try to fix it. I do not know how to remove that entire shift cable because I did not have to remove it to replace cluster. I do have the entire gear shifter indicator assembly off of the one I bought on ebay if you need any parts. Also, how far is the gear position off? Mine are a tad off sometimes but it isn't that bad.

http://img369.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img8188mg1.jpg Pic of bottom showing the two screws to remove to gain access to the shift indicator.
http://img369.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img8189ub7.jpg This is the shift indicator. If it is really far off either the cable is stretched or the spring isn't springy anymore. I don't know, maybe someone else has a suggestion.

[gw84]

it doesn't work at all..hasn't in like 4 years. It's no biggie for me, just count each time, but for someone else driving my car, I'd like for it to work properly. I remember a few years back when I parked the car I heard this noise like twine or something snapping...looked down and the indicator was to the left of "P" . Thanks for the info, I'll let you know if I need anything else!
ps..I forgot to mention that I'm referring to the parts for my '93 lumina....a first generation...sorry I forgot to mention that beforehand. This still may be helpful!

[Cubsfan24]

Originally Posted by gw84

it doesn't work at all..hasn't in like 4 years. It's no biggie for me, just count each time, but for someone else driving my car, I'd like for it to work properly. I remember a few years back when I parked the car I heard this noise like twine or something snapping...looked down and the indicator was to the left of "P" . Thanks for the info, I'll let you know if I need anything else!
ps..I forgot to mention that I'm referring to the parts for my '93 lumina....a first generation...sorry I forgot to mention that beforehand. This still may be helpful!

I saw the 2nd gen Lumina in your sig and 'assumed' lol. Anyway, mabey they used a similar design in the 1st gen and the spring broke or something.

[gw84]

it was the little wire. seems like there are a lot more screws holding this one together as opposed to the newer lumis. plus you have to almost destroy the dash to get it out it seems...I really don't want to peel the foam pad behind the steering wheel off and have it sit on the dash because it won't re-stick. I think I'll have to peel it off in order to get to one of the star bolts holding the cluster in though