How to change instrument panel bulbs
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Alabama
How to change instrument panel bulbs
The lights for my tacometer and speedometer are gone. I took all of the screws out from under the dash around the instrument panel but I can't get the cover off to change the bulbs. How do I do this?
Technical Article Contributor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 345
Likes: 2
From: Central NJ
This has been covered here, I wrote up a detail, but there are many. Please search for them. Mine was for a 98, but yours should be the same
There is one bolt behind the headlight switch, so the switch assembly needs to be removed. Also, if it is an automatic, the indicator slides out of the instument cluster.
Let us know how you made out, took me about 1 hour to fix.
There is one bolt behind the headlight switch, so the switch assembly needs to be removed. Also, if it is an automatic, the indicator slides out of the instument cluster.
Let us know how you made out, took me about 1 hour to fix.
Technical Article Contributor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 345
Likes: 2
From: Central NJ
Here's my short write up:
I have done this on My 98. It is easy but somewhat time consuming. A haynes manual will help you, particually in the headlight switch removal, as this is the hardest part
Pop off the plastic cover piece over the steering wheel. it's held in just by clips.
This will reveal some of the mounting screws around the plastic that frames the instrument cluster. You will need to remove them as well as the ones at the top of the frame.
The headlight switch needs to be removed because there is one screw behind it that needs to be removed. Pull the switch **** out. This will reveal a little hole at the bottom of the **** where a jewlers screwdriver can be inserted to push the release mechanism for the ****. Remove the **** and reinstall 180 degrees. Turn the **** which will bring in the holding tabs, you may have to pry a bit while turning, so be carefull you don't mar the dash. Remove the switch an disconnect the wires, the hidden screw should be obvious now.
Set the tilt on the steering wheel all the way down, with all the screws removed, remove the plastic frame for the instrument cluster. now the 4 bolts that hold the cluser in shoud be revealed. Remove them.
Disconnect the wires to the cluster, if you have an automatic, slide the indicator guage out of the cluster, its held in by tabs that are obvious (need small hands for this). Wiggle the cluser out and place on a clean rag. The indicator bulbs are marked behind the cluster. They quarter turn twist out and may need pliers to help turn them.
Be sure to replace all illumination bulbs or you will be doing this again.
Reinstall is reverse of course. Take you time, and as said before, get a Haynes Manual.
Good luck
I have done this on My 98. It is easy but somewhat time consuming. A haynes manual will help you, particually in the headlight switch removal, as this is the hardest part
Pop off the plastic cover piece over the steering wheel. it's held in just by clips.
This will reveal some of the mounting screws around the plastic that frames the instrument cluster. You will need to remove them as well as the ones at the top of the frame.
The headlight switch needs to be removed because there is one screw behind it that needs to be removed. Pull the switch **** out. This will reveal a little hole at the bottom of the **** where a jewlers screwdriver can be inserted to push the release mechanism for the ****. Remove the **** and reinstall 180 degrees. Turn the **** which will bring in the holding tabs, you may have to pry a bit while turning, so be carefull you don't mar the dash. Remove the switch an disconnect the wires, the hidden screw should be obvious now.
Set the tilt on the steering wheel all the way down, with all the screws removed, remove the plastic frame for the instrument cluster. now the 4 bolts that hold the cluser in shoud be revealed. Remove them.
Disconnect the wires to the cluster, if you have an automatic, slide the indicator guage out of the cluster, its held in by tabs that are obvious (need small hands for this). Wiggle the cluser out and place on a clean rag. The indicator bulbs are marked behind the cluster. They quarter turn twist out and may need pliers to help turn them.
Be sure to replace all illumination bulbs or you will be doing this again.
Reinstall is reverse of course. Take you time, and as said before, get a Haynes Manual.
Good luck
Thanks for the how to. I'll have to spare a whole day for all of that.