1996 - 1999 Gauge Cluster Removal (Column Shift Only)

From Taurus Car Club Maintenance and Modification Wiki

Thanks to TCCA Member Firespirit for the pictures and write-up.

Tools you will need: 8mm wrench, 7mm wrench, Ford DIN keys, small flat head screw driver, T10 Hex key

First, use the 8mm wrench to disconnect the battery (For safety reasons). Make sure no power is being used by the car (this means DOORS CLOSED, HAZARDS OFF, HEADLIGHTS AND PARKING LIGHTS OFF, Etc., etc.) This project may also be done with the battery connected with no harm and might be the easiest way to test to make sure it works.

Now, feel free to open any and all doors for some fresh air as you are going to be working in here for a short while.

After this is done, the first obstacle we must tackle is the radio! You can't get the radio out unless you have the FORD DIN keys, or bent wire hanger (I find the DIN keys are much better. They are more sturdy; you can buy them at Wal-Mart, Autozone, and just about any other store that sells automotive supplies for about $5 maximum). You will need to stick the keys in until you hear a click, or it won't go anymore. You then push the keys sideways (I.E - push to the left for the left key, and to the right for the right key) while pulling out towards you. The radio should slip out easily.

After the radio is out, you need to disconnect the wires. They are pretty much color coded, but you might want to mark which one goes where just in case! Be careful not to snap any connections or break/cut any wires!

After that's done, set the radio to the side so it wont get hurt, broken, or stepped on (I set mine on the floor of the passenger side. It would be safer to put it in the back seat though).

Looking up where the radio used to be, you will see only wires and the trim peice. The trim is held with four (4) 7mm bolts you must unscrew. Unscrew these and pull the trim out. It might be a little bit hard, but don't be afraid to use a little bit of force!

Turning to the headlight switch (yes, you gotta remove this too!) you want to turn it all the way to the "ON" position.

Then pull the knob so that it slides out a bit and you see a hole at the opposite end of the painted part.

Use a small flat head screwdriver to pry the knob off. It should pop right off. In some circumstances the headlight switch assembly may just pop out when pulling on the knob. If it does pop out then skip the next 2 steps.

Now here comes the weird part. You need to put the knob back on! But this time, it has to be facing the opposite way it was.

Now turn the knob to the right (clockwise) until you hear 2 clicks, then pull. The unit should slide right out.

You may need to disconnect the wires and set the unit somewhere with the radio, so it doesn't get hurt! It does no harm leaving it hanging there, but the only thing you may have to do it work it through the trim piece. Pull the trim piece out (there are only clips holding it in, no screws!)

You might think this is odd, but you guys have column shifters! Stick the key in the ignition to the "ON" position. Set the parking brake and shift into the lowest gear possible (which is "1") and make sure to have the steering wheel all the way lowered.

Next, there are two (2) 7mm bolts on either side of the steering wheel. Gotta take 'em out!

At the top, there are two (2) more 7mm bolts you need to take out. Do this FIRST. DO NOT pull on the piece yet!

After those two are out, feel free to take off the peice.

There are four (4) gold bolts [pictured in RED] that are all 7mm. Take these out. There are six (6) screws that hold the plastic cover on the cluster [pictured in PURPLE]. It's a T10 hex nut.

Remove the clear plastic sheild first. There are two (2) hex nuts holding in the black gauge surround located near the gear indicater. Take these out.

Remove the black guage bezel. Now you have access to the gauges themselves.

Install is the exact reverse of removal!

This is how it turned out: