Re: Changing gage illumination bulbs. (archive)

As James indicates, you can get the guage pod out
without taking the steering wheel off. In
addition to the screws, there are also some tabs
that hold the bezel in place, so be careful.

ALSO, do NOT start the car while the guage pod is
removed. The "SRS" light in the guage pod is part
of the air bag system, and the system triggers a
fault if the bulb is "bad" (for instance removed).
If you have started the car with the guage pod out
and then re-install the pod, the light will flash
for 10 minutes, then remain on steady. The ONLY
way to clear the fault is with specialized
equipment (like the dealer has). They will most
likely charge you clear the fault, negating the
money you saved cleaning/changin the bulbs
yourself.

Chris.

Hello fellows,

Anyone out there who has some description of what to remove and how to remove parts of the front panel to replace the gage illumination bulbs?

The Dealer in my town is a Stealer that almost always gives me prices way of the acceptance scale, so if I can fix this myself, I surely want to give it a try.

Any information would be highly appreciated...

Best regards,

Fedde

The factory service manual procedure involves removing the steering wheel to get the cluster out. If your dealer follows this procedure, he will probably charge you for an hour or two of labor.
I have found that you can carefully work the cluster out without removing the wheel,if you extend the wheel all the way out and down.
2 screws on the bezel, and 2 screws on the gauge cluster.
Be carefull not to break any plastic tabs or bits.
There are 3 different wattage bulbs for blinkers, odometer, warning lights, and illumination.
They are clearly marked and color coded, and can be replaced from the back of the cluster without opening it up.
1/4 turn CCW to remove, 1/4 turn CW to install.

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