Hood Release Lever Removal

[mals]

I have a 2001 with a burnt out bulb in the instrument cluster. I know how to replace the bulbs but I cannot get the hood release lever off to accesss the cluster. It is secured by 2 hex head screws that are tucked up against the support frame. The frame is bent at 45 degrees and the screws are tight to the bend. I cannot get a wrench on to the screws. I reviewd the procedure on this forum and the poster's model used phillips head screws that came right out. I'm stumped.
Any help is greatly appreciated.

Mals

 

[FIND]

On mine, they are hex head, but also fit a t-25 torx.

That said, you don't have to remove the hood release to get at the instrument cluster.

There are three hex head screws that hold the black bezel that goes around your instrument cluster. Look up from your steering wheel and you will see them. Pull that out, set your parking brake and shift your gear lever all the way to 1st gear and tilt your column all the way down. Then remove the 4 hex head screws that hold in the instrument cluster. You should be able to twist the cluster back and forth to get your hands behind it to remove the harnesses from the back. Unclip the gear indicator from the bottom of your instrument cluster, and you will be able to pull it all the way out.

Conversely, you may not even need to remove your cluster all the way. You can just reach behind and twist out the bulb bases. Replace the bulbs in the bases, and twist them back in place.

Best of luck.

 

[koda2000]

I have a 2001 with a burnt out bulb in the instrument cluster. I know how to replace the bulbs but I cannot get the hood release lever off to accesss the cluster. It is secured by 2 hex head screws that are tucked up against the support frame. The frame is bent at 45 degrees and the screws are tight to the bend. I cannot get a wrench on to the screws. I reviewd the procedure on this forum and the poster's model used phillips head screws that came right out. I'm stumped.
Any help is greatly appreciated.

Mals

there are 2 screws under the part you yank on to open the hood. if possible, have someone hold the handle down so that you can get at the screws. I believe there are 2 more screws on the bottom of the plastic trim panel and then two push-in clips on the top of the panel. once that's off you need to remove the metal plate found under the trim panel (4 bolts). I've replaced instrument cluster bulbs (by the way, you need to completely remove the cluster to change them) on two 2001's. it's a total PITA.

if you'd like more detailed instructions, PM me.

 

[mals]

FIND
From what I have seen I need to remove the knee blocker cover plate trim below the steering column to remove the trim around the bezel to get at the screws that hold the cluster in place as shown in this videohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhzhhPqwgqQ
Koda2000
The way the screws are located I cannot get a wrench or socket on them

The plate the cable passes through is on a 45 degree angle from the plate with the screws. The block circle in the middle is a rubber bumper.

Mals

 

[koda2000]

your metal bracket appears to be bent (toward the steering wheel). take a small adjustable wrench, or vice-grip, put it on the bracket and bend it back toward the brake pedal. then you can get at the 2 screws.

suggestion: disconnect the battery negative before doing this job to avoid blowing any fuses or having an air bag go off in your face.

BTW, you need to remove these pieces (trim panel and plate) to get at some screws on the bottom of the instrument cluster bezel and to gain access to the PRNDL pointer bracket and cable (assuming your truck is an automatic). be very careful not to damage the PRNDL pointer's cable when you unhook it from the shift handle. you also need to pull the radio bezel out, to get at a screw on the right side of the cluster bezel. if your PRNDL pointer doesn't point directly at the gear your in, this would be the time to adjust it, using the thumb wheel on the cable bracket.

I don't want to hurt your feelings (or question your mechanical ability) but i'm a little concerned this job may be over your head. good luck and don't be afraid to ask questions.

 

[Turdle]

Yup,
Bend the bracket toward the firewall and your hood will open better too. That has been bent due to over tugging the handle. Might want to lube the hood latch mechanism.

 

[FIND]

Oops, sorry about that. I forgot there were two screws under the lower trim.

Just grab that with some vice grips and bend it forward like those guys said.

 

[mals]

I have no explanination as to why the bracket is bent. I am the original owner and have never had to remove or adjust this piece. Strange.
I wil bend it back and after that it will be smooth sailing.
Thanks for the help.

Mals

 

[koda2000]

I have no explanination as to why the bracket is bent. I am the original owner and have never had to remove or adjust this piece. Strange.
I wil bend it back and after that it will be smooth sailing.
Thanks for the help.

Mals

like Turdle said, the bracket gets bent because the handle is forced. if you lube your hood latch periodically that wont happen.