My 2001 LeSabre Custom'* IP cluster has some debris behind the clear lens, at the bottom of the tach and speedo - driving me crazy every time I look at my cluster.

Evidently, this unit has been pulled and replaced at one time and the warranty center didn't quality check it for appearance.

What'* involved in removing this cluster so I can take the lens off and clean it out? Everything works fine.. just want to clean it out.

I found instructions on how to remove the upper dash cover, which seems to allow access to the cluster. Does anyone know if the cluster can be removed without pulling the dash cover?

I am not sure how similar the Instrument panel is to the Pk Ave however...
The PA'* cluster lens can be removed once the cluster is off by:
Compress the 4 lens retaining tabs and remove the lens.
To remove the cluster on the PA you have to:
Remove L&R I/P end caps.
Left I/P accessory trim plate.
I/P cluster trim plate.
Lower steering column.
Cluster fasteners
Hope this helps some. Take some photos, I would like to see it off & clean.
Maybe one day, I should do mine too.

No, you don't remove the dash cover, to access the cluster.....

The procedure is a lot to write about......lot of plastic pieces to remove.....if I remember right, you have to pry out the air registers, and then there are 7mm screws to remove in the I/P fascia....you have to remove the panels that cover the bottom of the fascia to access more screws......

And there are end caps to remove, to access more screws.....

So what he is saying is, its REALLY not worth the trouble to yank it out.

I hope I make it that far
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I know the L & R (woodgrain) trim panels pop off. Not sure how the cluster trim comes off - probably pops off like everything else.

Once these are off, and all the screws holding the cluster are out, does the cluster pull out from there, or do I need to unbolt the steering column and drop that down too? Maybe just tilting the wheel all the way down and putting the shift lever into 1st will work without dropping the column..?

No, just apply e-brake, and turn shifter to 1......remove the end panels.....remove the wood grain panels.....I think you have to pop the air registers off to access 7mm screws(not really sure for this year, maybe not)....then the cluster trim comes out(there may be screws on the bottom of the trim and also on the left end)....

Alright.. when this gives me access, is there a danger of A.I.R. bag deployment? I believe the fuse is in the rear panel (under seat) - will that kill the A.I.R. bag for this operation?

Also.. should I use a ground strap when handling the cluster? I recall most clusters are all plastic until you get to the rear, which I may never touch at all except to remove any harnesses.

I'm not going to attempt removal until I get some other work done on my car. I want to make sure the engine'* in decent shape before I go spending a whole lotta money on this. I've already done my Mobil 1 LOF, and I'm changing out the coolant next week - using DexCool. Two new front tires, also.

Here'* the Before photo of my cluster showing the debris and spots that need cleaning - from the behind the lens.