Honda Motor Company offers different option packages for its Civic models to provide buyers with a choice of conveniences and price levels. These amenities and extras generally are what make the difference between a base model and a luxury model. Every Honda Civic has the wiring for a tachometer, yet some Civic models do not come with this gauge installed in the instrument panel. You can install an aftermarket tachometer yourself if you want to avoid the cost of hiring a mechanic.
Remove the plastic wraparound cover to the instrument panel by removing its two retaining screws which are near the top of the gauge cluster window. Remove the screws with a Phillips-head screwdriver.
Use the Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the four gauge cluster mounting screws inside the dashboard. These are located at the four corners of the cluster.
Pull the entire gauge cluster away from the dashboard and locate the wires attached to the back of the cluster. There will be three or four, depending on the type of transmission in your vehicle. Use your fingers to unfasten the wire harness clips.
Place the gauge cluster on a work table and remove the clear plastic window. There are seven clips around its edges that you can unfastened with your fingers. Place small pieces of folded paper between the unfastened clips to prevent them from snapping back together.
Remove the black plastic gauge cluster hood by undoing four clips along the top of the gauge cluster with your fingers. Carefully pull the black plastic gauge overlay off the gauges and remove it.
Turn the gauge cluster over and unscrew the four mounting screws on the right of the assembly using a Phillips-head screwdriver. Turn the cluster over and remove the loosened gauge.
Install the new gauge into the open gauge port. Turn the cluster face down and reinstall the four retaining screws. Turn the cluster face up and place the black plastic overlay on top of it.
Reattach the four clips of the gauge cluster hood. Reinstall the clear plastic window into the seven simple clips by hand. Slide the gauge cluster back into the dashboard and reattach the wires to their wiring harnesses by hand.
Replace the four gauge cluster retaining screws. Install the wraparound plastic cover and reinstall the two retaining screws into the top of the gauge cluster.
