Removing Warning Light Cluster.

[54blackhornet]

I am planning on removing the cluster assembly to replace some bulbs and inspect the wiring. Can anyone explain the correct process, do you have to remove the light switch first ? Drop steering shaft down ? Thanks

[Yamariv]

Originally Posted by 54blackhornet

I am planning on removing the cluster assembly to replace some bulbs and inspect the wiring. Can anyone explain the correct process, do you have to remove the light switch first ? Drop steering shaft down ? Thanks

Here's a great video, check out his other ones too for C10 work!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjWCpX-7N_g&t=499s

[Casper42]

it's a simple process. perhaps the most challenging is getting your (not gigantic) hand up to release the light switch. Actually you can replace all bulbs without removing anything. Your only wiring is the master plug harness and tach harness (if you have a tach), then of course the oil pressure connector. You might also have a fiber optic cable for your gear selector light on the column, wired into one of the dash bulbs - mine was the one between the speedo and the tach. All else is the printed circuit. If you chose to remove the entire bezel, some find it easier to drop the column, but you can get it out with patience and some twisting.

[54blackhornet]

Thanks Mr Casper for your reply. Any relationship to the Casper’s in Tampa ? I just have the base cluster, no nothing but idiot lights. None of the illumination light work but the warning lights all seem to function properly. So you do have to remove the light switch first ? Can you explain how to do that…Jack

[Casper42]

Originally Posted by 54blackhornet

Thanks Mr Casper for your reply. Any relationship to the Casper’s in Tampa ? I just have the base cluster, no nothing but idiot lights. None of the illumination light work but the warning lights all seem to function properly. So you do have to remove the light switch first ? Can you explain how to do that…Jack

The only reason to remove the light switch knob is to remove the entire instrument cluster, or to replace that entire light switch. Its not required just to replace the bulbs, unless your hands are just too big. To remove the headlight knob, there is a small spring-loaded button behind the dash cluster on the top, closest to the backside of the instrument cluster that you simply push in (down) while you use your other hand to pull the knob fully out, from the front side. When you reach up there, you'll feel the large boxy portion of the switch - grasp that and use your index finger to reach around to locate that button. it's pretty small. depending on its age and level of corrosion, it might take improvising a thimble sort of thing on the end of your finger as you might have to push pretty hard. I hope that helps. "Casper" is just a profile name that I use. LOL

[dmjlambert]

Disconnect your battery and turn the headlight switch on to begin. Reach up into the dash and find the headlight switch with your right hand. On top of the switch is a small spring-loaded button. Press down on the button, and pull the headlight knob and its shaft straight out and off. In some cases it is very easy and in some cases the shaft will still be engaged and it may take more or less pressure on the release button. If it gives you trouble, take a break and when you come back it may come right off. That has been my experience.
You can then remove the chrome bezel by sticking the jaws of needle-nose pliers into the holes of the bezel and unscrew it counterclockwise.
The wiper knob has a set screw you can loosen, and remove the knob. Remove its bezel.
Then remove the screws holding the instrument cluster. On some trucks it seems you have to loosen the steering column under the dash to lower it slightly, but on my truck the steering column does not get in the way of removing the instrument cluster.

[54blackhornet]

Thanks so much for the detailed answer I really appreciate it ! Hopefully you all are having a great 4th..