When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I can't remember for sure but I think you have to remove the needles then pull out the PCB in order to get the stick out the back. I have a cluster torn apart and can check when I get home.
If it's because you're having trouble resetting the odometer/maintenance light, it's the switch that's gone bad. I had to take my cluster apart and solder in a new switch on my 2002. Luckily, because I'm a bit of a hoarder when it comes to electrical components, I had a momentary tactile switch laying around that fit. I will say, it wasn't fun or particularly safe resetting the needles to read accurately. It's doable, but not fun
The procedure @BrotatoChip said is pretty accurate. The point you're at, you remove the needles (and maybe some screws on the back? I don't remember) and the PCB board should pop off.
Here's how I reset the needles:
Make note of your gas level before taking the needles out
Plug in/mount the cluster into the car without the clear plastic cover and start your engine.
Install the fuel needle at about the spot where your fuel level was. Note: do not press the needle down too far or it'll more-or-less bind against the cluster and not sweep freely. There should be like a 2-3mm gap between the needle and the gauge face
(Warning, this step isn't quite safe - proceed at your own risk) Go for a bit of a drive and find the absolute minimum speed where you can engage cruise control. Install your speedometer needle pointing at 25mph. Alternatively, if you don't have cruise control and you have GPS that indicates speed, you can use that too.
(Warning, this step is also not quite safe - proceed at your own risk) With your speedometer set, maintain the car at a speed where you know what RPM it'll be. I recall my 2002 EX, 5th gear at 60mph was right about 3k RPM. Set your tach at that. Alternatively, if you have a Bluetooth OBD reader that gives real-time telemetry (e.g. BAFX OBD reader and the Torque app), use that, and do it in the safety of your driveway. Or just say screw it at set it to about 750 at idle.
Once you get back home, your car should be at operating temp. Set the temp needle at just below half.
Shut off the car and make sure the gauges all freely drop to the low peg. If any don't, it's a bit bound against the gauge face and you need to pull them up just a bit.
To pull out the plastic trip reset button there are two release tabs. You may be able to get to them from the top but I think there's stuff in the way.
To pull out the plastic trip reset button there are two release tabs. You may be able to get to them from the top but I think there's stuff in the way.
Is the black panel with the numbers glued there? It does not get off, and I am afraid to use force. It feels fragile.
I can't remember how that panel comes off, I know the needles have to be pulled to fully remove it. I think it was just the needles and then a trim piece over top that held it on, there are some locating pins that keep it centered.
