instrument cluster - how to change/replace?

[salirugger]

any insight on step by step instructions on how to replace an instrument cluster for an 08 altima sedan, automatic trans?

[kscott]

I've got mine out right now. It's not too difficult, just follow the directions in the service manual. If you don't already have the CD, it's online at http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Altima/ .Some tips:1. I took off the top/bottom steering column covers, thinking they might be in the way. I don't think this was necessary. The manual says to take the steering wheel off first. That's not the case at all; even though I took off the covers, I left the steering wheel on.2. The dark plastic cover of the gauge cluster is VERY easy to scratch.3. Unplugging the connector from the back of the cluster is tricky. I broke a few little pieces off the plastic trying to do this, although nothing important to its functioning. What eventually ended up working was to stick a screwdriver into the release tab, to help make sure it really releases.

[salirugger]

hey, thanks man. huge help. one problem...i followed the link you provided but then theres a bunch of coded pdf's. which one do i click on?

thanks again

[kscott]

To navigate through the entire service manual, use fwd.pdf. It's got the first page that lists the 2- or 3- lettter abbreviation for each section of the manual.

When I took out my cluster, I was using IP.PDF for the instrument panel, starting on p.11. It's really describing how to remove the entire dashboard, so the parts about the center console and glovebox I skipped over. There's also a description in MWI.PDF, p. 176, for just the gauge cluster. Again it says to remove the steering wheel, which is unnecessary.