removing gauge cluster - HELP!

I'm having problems removing the gauge cluster. (I have a '90 Mazda B2200, and I want to install the APC white face gauge overlay.) I removed the plastic bezel by removing the 4 screws (2 top, 2 bottom). Then, I removed the 4 screws (2 top, 2 bottom) holding in the cluster behind the bezel I just removed. I was under the impression I could then gently pull out the cluster ... until there was enough room (from the top) to unplug the speedo and wires. But it will barely budge from the original position. I can rock it back and forth a little ... but it seems the speedo and wires are holding it in tight. And there doesn't seem to be access to the speedo and wires from under the dash. What gives? I'm afraid if I tug on the thing (pulling it out) any more ... I'm gonna break something (like some of the plastic). Any help (suggestions) would be greatly appreciated.

you should be able to access the speedo wire from inside the engine bay, pop your hood and pull the speedo wire gently from the tranny, feeding it into the fire wall, then you should have enough slack to disconnect everything

once you unscrew the panel that houses the dash light dimmer panel and remove that,you will get full access to the gauge cluster with 4 screws holding it in place. Once those 4 are undone,the cluster should move around. The speedo cable has some give in it,so you can pull ot and and tip it forward to access the plugs and the speedo cable to disconnect them all. However,putting it back in place and getting the speedo cable back in can be a pain in the ass,but removing the cluster is really easy. SHould only take a few minutes.

Thanks! That helped!

When you replace the needle for the speedometer,make sure not to push it on too hard,otherwise it can stick and not move as freely as it should. I know with some vehicles,you have to put the key in the 'on' position with the cluster plugged in to replace the needles.

I was doing some work on the gauge cluster in my previous Mercury Mystique and I think I pressed the needle back on too tight,because it would stick at certain speeds and then free up,so sometimes it would stick at say 40kmh while I was still accelerating and then it would free up and go to 70 after a couple of seconds. It was kinda weird. So I pulled it out,took the needle off and pushed it back on lightly and it was fine after that.