a few weeks ago I was cleaning my 02 and changing the oil, getting it ready for a long winters nap. As I was wiping down the dash area the cloth caught the knob that adjusts the dimmer of the console lights and snapped the stem that goes into the cluster. You can imagine my reaction.
I was able to locate the guy in Canada who has manufactured a replacement part, with a search on this forum and others. I also was able to locate a used cluster for sale at a reasonable price. So for the price of two stems from Canada, I purchased the used cluster. This way I could practice on taking one apart, before I did mine.
I stayed home from work today and decided to see what these things look like inside. With patience and going slow, and following steps posted online I was surprised at how simple it was to take it apart.
This is one of the pieces that broke. You have to split the cluster to replace as they install from the back side of the face.
I also decided to take one of the face dials off, I used a plastic picnic fork inserted under the indicator and with a small flat bladed screwdriver popped the dial off using gentle pressure.
The tricky part was the small plastic retaining piece that inserts into the hole and holds the face dial in place, see object to the right of the dial. I did this with a small screwdriver form underneath the dial, gently prying it up. As you can see a small piece of the edge did break off, the material is very brittle. I think it will still do the job it was intended for and cosmetically will be under the indicator needle when reinstalled.
So now I wonder if anyone has painted the face dials or changed them to a different color. One project leads to another. My car is speed yellow and adding a bit of color to a black interior would be nice.