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This is a tutorial to assist you in removing the 996 Instrument Cluster. This DIY can be used for several cases such as replacing the cluster or swapping out the cluster surround

Tools Required:
1/4" Ratchet
6" Extension
TORX20 Socket
TORX8 Socket / Screwdriver
Right Angle Pick
Flathead Screwdriver

Removing the cluster seems like a daunting task, but in reality it is not as bad of a job as it looks. Before we can remove the entire cluster surround we need to get access to the two TORX20 bolts that secure it to the dash

IMPORTANT: First off, you need to disconnect the battery before starting this job. Grab a 10mm socket and remove the negative terminal. Now we can move onto the actual removal of the cluster

Let's start by removing the hazard switch surround



First step is to engage the hazard switch (push it in so the button pops out a bit).



With the switch slightly pushed out you will be able to get a small right angle pick around the back up pry forward. The spots to do so are outlined below



With the button pulled forward we should be able to slide it right out



The hazard surround piece is press fit into the dash. The fit is a little tight and requires a bit of force to pull it out. Below are two pictures that show notches on the inside of the surround. You can use these to pull the surround forward





Grab a flat head and insert the tip into one of these notches. I choose the one closest to the driver side. Gently apply forward pressure to pry the surround out



Here is a shot with the surround removed



Locate the TORX20 bolt in the picture above and grab your ratchet to remove



We are just about done on this side for now. Lastly, the hazard switch socket needs to be removed. Pinch the two socket tabs inward as indicated below and pull the socket out



Now we can move onto the drivers side. On the far left of the cluster surround you will see a circular black screen. Grab a right angle pick and gently pop this thing out



With the cover removed we can now access the 2nd TORX20 bolt holding the dash panel down



With those two bolts out the only thing holding down the dash cluster panel are a few clips. The panel is ready to come out. Grab the far right side of the dash panel and gently pull upward to pop the clips as shown below. It might take a bit of wiggling but they should release relatively easy



Next move to the left side and repeat



The cluster surround is now loose, but you won't be able to wiggle it around too much because of the wiring still attached to the rear. Before we can pull the whole unit out we need to remove 4 connectors. First we need to locate the connector within the hazard surround hole. It is marked with a yellow strip that you will notice in the picture below. Since we took the socket out already the only thing holding this connector in place is a small tab.

Locate this small tab (under my finger in the picture) and pull outward. This will allow you to pull the connector down and out



There are three connectors left, all of which are behind the cluster itself. They are all color coded with the cluster socket. Make sure when putting them back in the color of the connector and socket match up

Far Left- Silver Connector
Middle- Blue Connector
Far Right- Green Connector

By lifting the dash up a bit we can get a peak at these connectors



Each of these connectors are secured to the cluster by a black latch on the back of the connector. By releasing this latch it allows the connector to pop loose from the cluster. Grab you small right angle pick and release the latch by gently applying pressure upward. Be gently as it is fragile!

The image below shows how to properly release the latch so the connector and come free



With all of the connectors loose and free of the cluster we can now gently lift the assembly off of the dash and out of the car. Be careful not to take out your rear view mirror when maneuvering this thing out of the car.

Here is a shot of the connectors with the dash removed



With the dash out of the car we can now remove the cluster itself from the surround. The cluster is held into place by two TORX20 bolts on the rear of the dash as shown below. Grab your ratchet and remove these two bolts





You will also notice the cluster being held onto the cluster surround by two tabs (one on each side). Simply pop these free as shown in the picture below



Now the cluster is ready to be removed. Slide it through the back of the assembly. Below is a picture of the cluster removed



Last step is to remove the cluster surround from the dash. The surround is held on by three bolts and two clips. Let's focus on the bolts first. Grab an TORX8 screwdriver or socket and remove the three bolts that hold the surround in place





With the bolts removed we can focus on the two tabs holding the cluster in place. They are located on the backside of the cluster surround and fastened to the dash. To remove these tabs, gently pry the cluster surround away from the dash



Another shot of the other side. This is a bit more clear to see



Almost done...



If you tried to pull the surround out already you might have noticed it is still held in place. On the top of the surround, there is a little lip that slides into the front of the dash. The image below will help you understand how the surround is still held in place



To remove, gently push the surround backwards (out of the slit). Here is another look at it with the lip removed from the slot



To reinstall, follow this tutorial backwards. Be careful and take your time.

Here is a shot of my Carbon Fiber cluster surround installed



Hope this DIY has been beneficial to the community. If you have any questions please feel free to ask