Sorry to confuse the issue. Just trying to help you get prepared for one of the other common 850 failures. You're right, the steering columne covers don't need to be removed to get the gauge cluster out but you'll eventually will need to do it when the ignition switch goes bad as it certainly will. The multitorx tools are handy but a few (25,15,10) with handles and a four inch shaft will really help. They shouldn't be much more than $5 each.