1. Remove the instrument panel upper finish panel insert. It snaps in place, so be careful not to pull too aggressively.
2. Remove the nut on the back side of the hood latch release handle and position it aside.
3. Remove the screw and the instrument panel steering column cover, by pulling up from the bottom.
4. Disconnect the light switch rheostat resistor electrical connector to completely remove the lower panel.
5. Remove the instrument panel upper finish panel (044A90).
   1. Remove the three screws (image does not indicate the third screw, on the lower left corner).
   2. Remove the instrument panel upper finish panel by pulling from the lower leftmost part of the panel outward.
6. Disconnect the power mirror switch electrical connector (if equipped).
7. Remove the four screws and position the instrument cluster.
8. Disconnect the three electrical connectors and remove the instrument cluster. It is easiest to push one side of the cluster inward, and tilt one side out to get the connectors off. Remove the upper left connector first, then turn the cluster the opposite direction (other side inward), and remove the other 2.
9. Reverse the removal procedure for installation.

Also see

• Ford Escort & ZX2 section for the entire index of all Ford Escort and ZX2 related articles.