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Instrument Panel Lights Removal and Reinstallation

Tony2005

Addicted CEG'er
Joined
Jun 18, 2005
Messages
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Instrument Panel Lights Removal and Reinstallation.

Parts and Tools - Bulb with assembly F5RZ-13466-BA $3.24 each
Phillips head screw driver.
10 mm crescent wrench (for battery terminal removal)
Flashlight, old credit card, duct tape and washcloth (or paper towel)

For some pictures,
http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiB..._us/0900823d/80/1b/d0/a3/0900823d801bd0a3.jsp

1. Make sure your key is outside the car if you have power locks as the electricals go haywire as you are disconnecting/connecting the battery.

2. Disconnect BOTH battery terminals (negative, then positive). Stick a thick newspaper between the terminals and posts so that the current does not accidentally come on while you are working on the instrument panel. Wait about 15 minutes so that the airbag back up power is dissipated (as you are working in the vicinity of the airbags).

3. Slide an old credit card in between the instrument cluster surround (finish panel) and switches (switch blank covers, fog light indicator, traction control, rear defroster, clock, traction control). The credit card is easier to maneuver and will not scratch or break the panel as opposed to using a small screwdriver as advised by Autozone or Haynes.

4. Let the switches dangle while you unscrew the screws behind the switches and blank covers. Push a washcloth or paper towel under the screws area to prevent the screws from dropping into the back.

5. Shine a flashlight up the last two "hidden" screws on the instrument panel so that you can see where to put the screwdriver. The screw driver should be at a 75 degree angle. Unscrew the screws.

6. Tear up some small pieces of duct tape and place them on top of the dash. Unplug the switches and then tape some duct tape on the multiplugs and to the dash area as you unplug the multiplugs. If you don't the plugs and wires will fall behind. Don't believe what you see in the Haynes manual or Autozone website. The wires will not just dangle there waiting for you to reconnect them later. Carefully remove the instrument cluster surround.

7. Once again put the washcloth (or paper towel) under the screws while you unscrew the 5 screws on the instrument cluster.

8.a. Carefully remove the instrument cluster partially. If you have a late 1995 through 2000, it is better not to remove the multi-plugs from the rear of the instrument cluster if you are just replacing the bulb assemblies (just in case that messes up the tachometer or speedometer electronics).

8.b. If you have an early 1995 with a mechanical (cable) speedometer, you need to remove the windshield wiper and cowl, etc. as if you are removing to change Pollen Filter.

http://www.contour.org/mods/mods.php?s=howto&displayid=16

From Haynes: Disconnect negative terminal of battery, reach in behind firewall, squeeze collar on upper end of speedometer cable, where it is attached to intermediate cable from the rear of the speedometer head. Disconnect the cable and withdraw from firewall inner panel with rubber grommet.

9. Turn the bulb assembly to remove them from the instrument cluster. Note that you are looking at it from the reverse side when you turn to remove the bulb assembly. The bulb assembly comes with the bulb when you buy it from the dealer. If you want to replace just the bulbs, be forewarned that the bulbs are hard to remove (even though the instructions from the Factory CD, Autozone and Haynes says just pull it straight out). And the bulb on Advance Auto's system is the wrong size.

10. Reverse the steps for installation. Stick some duct tape on the screwdriver and screws so that you do not lose the screws while installing them. After a few turns, pull the duct tape out and continue tightening the screws.

11. Have the keys outside the car when reinstalling the battery terminals. Note that the hazard light will flash by itself and the power locks will lock the doors as you are reinstalling the battery terminal. When you turn the key to on and push the hazard down up again, it will stop flashing. Turn on the headlights, cover the instrument area to see if the bulbs are working. Reprogram your radio and clock. Then drive around the block to make sure the tachometer and speedometer are working. This R and R should take about an hour.
 
could you add the color change how to also or give a link if there is one. i tried to make mine all leds but turned up unsuccesfull.

It will take a lot more LEDs to change the color than one in each socket. Either find a very wide angle LED (100 degree at least) and solder in a resistor and LED straight onto the metal contacts. Or use a multiple LED setup to spread the light evenly.

I know someone did this (muiltple LED setup) and it turned out pretty nice. Its on the old forums somewhere.
 
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