Instrument cluster screws won't back out

[deckard]

Using Dark-LE's "DIY--Needle Color Change" DIY (aka "Cluster Needle Color Change" from the DIY sticky), I wanted to replace the light bulbs that light up the gauges in the instrument cluster of my 2001 LE - the bulb for the temp gauge is out & I thought I might as well replace them all at once.

Well, I can't even get past step one because the Philips screws above the gauges will *not* unscrew - can't even get 'em started, either one. Tried a couple different sized short Philips screwdrivers but can't get the bleedin' screws to budge even a smidge; also, the screwheads seem to be slightly stripped, as if someone else tried the same thing before I bought the car.

What makes it harder, too, is you're pressing up from underneath w. limited space, and since you're basically pushing up into where the top of the bezel meets the padded dash overhang you don't want to push TOO hard... even if you're also pushing down on top of the dash overhang with the other hand at the same time, if you get my meaning.

Any suggestions would be most welcome!

Thanks!

[N/A Camry Sleeper]

Try vise grips

[fenixus]

get a stubby and short Philips (#2) screw driver from autozone. also remember that those screws are kinda self tapping so they sit tight in that plastic.

also remember that they are not positioned vertically, they back out at like 45 degree angle towards the steering wheel

[deckard]

Thanks for the suggestions! Will try a brand new stubby #2 Philips rather than the admittedly somewhat worn one I have, then vise grips if the new #2 isn't enough.

And many thanks, fenixus, for the info re: the 45 degree angle of the screws - like a dunce, I didn't realize that.

[fenixus]

trust me, I wasted like 1 hour on my V6 using standard long screwdrivers and couldn't get a good grip. stubby is perfect as you can use the full force of your fist on it and even then I had problems with screw driver bit sliding off the screws ... then I realized it's at angle ... all went smooth and easy since then

also make note, that once you remove and reinstall them it will be much easier next time. only first removal is stubborn.

Originally Posted by deckard

Thanks for the suggestions! Will try a brand new stubby #2 Philips rather than the admittedly somewhat worn one I have, then vise grips if the new #2 isn't enough.

And many thanks, fenixus, for the info re: the 45 degree angle of the screws - like a dunce, I didn't realize that.

[deckard]

Originally Posted by fenixus

trust me, I wasted like 1 hour on my V6 using standard long screwdrivers and couldn't get a good grip. stubby is perfect as you can use the full force of your fist on it and even then I had problems with screw driver bit sliding off the screws ... then I realized it's at angle ... all went smooth and easy since then

also make note, that once you remove and reinstall them it will be much easier next time. only first removal is stubborn.

Very good to know - sounds like your initial experience w. your V6 mirrors my current vexation. I seriously thought maybe someone had done this at some point previously (I just bought the car in June) and really "reefed" on the screws when they put 'em back in... maybe/hopefully I'm the first and they're just stubborn.

At any rate, thanks so much!! I'll have another go this weekend.