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Had to remove my center cluster yet again yesterday, this time to replace a light bulb behind the temp dial. Noticed almost all the center cluster tabs had broken off. Had to super glue the passenger air bag On/Off switch in place because all the screw holes were stripped out and the switch was just hanging there.
Put it all back together and noticed a large crack in the "hood" formed by the dash over the instrument cluster and center cluster. Cheap plastic dash is showing it's age.
Yep. Long story short: My truck ('98) refused to start. Out of frustration, I hit the dash "hood" with my fist. Not hard, just a little thump and a few expletives. The plastic was brittle from what I assume was years in the sun by previous owner. Busted a hole a bit larger than a half-dollar and a crack pointing to the radio.
Replaced it with one from a salvage yard. $25 for dash pieces from stereo bezel and over. Be careful with year model though, there were some slight changes with how the stereo bezel mounts, and wiring harness plugs for passenger airbag switch and light switches attach.
Maybe you could get a gauge cluster while you are there.
been there ...done that...mine had broken on far right side of radio...ok glue it, while holding it in my hand ...no pressure...snap into two pieces across the top of the "hood". making a trip to the salvage this weekend... when handling ...DO NOT BREATH.