replace bulb in dash switches
05-12-2010, 02:21 PM
#22
Le Mans Master
I installed these last night and they are a perfect fit. My soldering isnt good enough for the plastic centering pieces to go back on the back side but IMO they are not needed. My blackberry locked up on me so I don't have pics of how the bulb looks but the bulb size and brightness are spot on.
Problem is, after fixing the "Options" bulb the ones above and below it went out (Reset and whatever the other one is). I remember this happening when I fixed my C5 HVAC bulbs too. It's like fixing the burned out bulb finds the next weakest link. So I replaced those two and they are all lit up but I ran out of bulbs and didn't want to re-install before replacing the last two. Whats even weirder is that my Mode button bulb is out on the left DIC pod now too! So when doing this I would recommend getting ten bulbs and doing all nine bulbs at once (there are only four on the left pod).
Here's a link to the bulbs I got. http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2103780 You may be able to find a better source but these were readily available (although they only had two packs for four bulbs total) at my local store which is in the mall so it's not like they had a big selection.
Problem is, after fixing the "Options" bulb the ones above and below it went out (Reset and whatever the other one is). I remember this happening when I fixed my C5 HVAC bulbs too. It's like fixing the burned out bulb finds the next weakest link. So I replaced those two and they are all lit up but I ran out of bulbs and didn't want to re-install before replacing the last two. Whats even weirder is that my Mode button bulb is out on the left DIC pod now too! So when doing this I would recommend getting ten bulbs and doing all nine bulbs at once (there are only four on the left pod).
Here's a link to the bulbs I got. http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2103780 You may be able to find a better source but these were readily available (although they only had two packs for four bulbs total) at my local store which is in the mall so it's not like they had a big selection.
Last edited by 5 Liter Eater; 05-24-2010 at 08:31 AM.
05-13-2010, 02:18 AM
#23
3rd Gear
Member Since: May 2010
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I'm fairly certain it's a 12v system. I installed resistors on the back of the LEDs & they're still brighter than stock. Doing all 5 made them look uniform (I don't have Heads Up, so I didn't have to do the other side)
I was having trouble getting the pics on this page, so I threw them in a photo gallery.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/phot...&ppuser=356691
I prefer the look of the LEDs even though they are brighter. I just feel better knowing they're not going to burn out again. It should be noted that the dimmer controls no longer works for these lights.
I was having trouble getting the pics on this page, so I threw them in a photo gallery.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/phot...&ppuser=356691
I prefer the look of the LEDs even though they are brighter. I just feel better knowing they're not going to burn out again. It should be noted that the dimmer controls no longer works for these lights.
Last edited by Anubis328; 05-13-2010 at 12:37 PM.
08-07-2010, 01:09 PM
#24
Team Owner
...good job on this!
08-07-2010, 01:59 PM
#25
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Jan 2009
Location: Pottsboro; Sometimes Dallas Texas
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St. Jude Donor '12
The bulb under my "options" button on the right side of the instrument cluster (DIC buttons?) has burnt out. I fully disassembled the button (removed instrument shroud, 3 screws on the button cluster itself, un-clipped the front half and rear half of the button cluster) and have discovered the bulbs have no markings and are in fact soldered onto the circuit board. I've never actually seen these bulbs before, they're just tiny bulbs and not user replaceable.
A search for the part number labeled on the button cluster in GM parts direct (part# 15285916) comes up with nothing. There is another part# listed on the circuit board itself 62500048 and that similarly comes up with no results.
How many volts should these bulbs take? I'd have no problem swapping them out with LED's if I knew the specs.
Or... I suppose I could just replace the whole button cluster, did they change the part#? Whats the new part number?
A search for the part number labeled on the button cluster in GM parts direct (part# 15285916) comes up with nothing. There is another part# listed on the circuit board itself 62500048 and that similarly comes up with no results.
How many volts should these bulbs take? I'd have no problem swapping them out with LED's if I knew the specs.
Or... I suppose I could just replace the whole button cluster, did they change the part#? Whats the new part number?
08-07-2010, 03:46 PM
#27
Safety Car
Member Since: Aug 2006
Location: Apache Junction AZ
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Bill:
I'm curious about whether or not you use the instrument dimmer control to reduce brightness and therefore extend the life of the bulbs. I've always been one to keep them as dim as possible and have never had a bulb fail in any of my cars.
BJK
I'm curious about whether or not you use the instrument dimmer control to reduce brightness and therefore extend the life of the bulbs. I've always been one to keep them as dim as possible and have never had a bulb fail in any of my cars.
BJK
08-07-2010, 07:52 PM
#31
Team Owner
Something as simple as changing a light bulb should be simple but instead becomes a project when it shouldn't take more than a minute.
Send it in and get hit with the "Corvette Tax" bill again.
08-07-2010, 08:58 PM
#33
Race Director
The button backlighting brightens and dims with the rest of the dash and door backlighting when you turn the round **** to the left of the steering wheel (the same **** that you push in and release to turn the footwell and map lights on and off). To dim, turn to the left and release repeatedly until your backlighting reaches the desired brightness; to brighten, turn to the right and release as many times as needed. The setting should remain fixed unless/until you change it again.
08-07-2010, 09:28 PM
#34
Team Owner
QUOTE=mpuzach;1574940906]The button backlighting brightens and dims with the rest of the dash and door backlighting when you turn the round **** to the left of the steering wheel (the same **** that you push in and release to turn the footwell and map lights on and off). To dim, turn to the left and release repeatedly until your backlighting reaches the desired brightness; to brighten, turn to the right and release as many times as needed. The setting should remain fixed unless/until you change it again. [/QUOTE]
Ok I will try this again. Someone told me I have to have the car running. I believe it's a matter of turning and releasing at the same time?
[/QUOTE] Ok I will try this again. Someone told me I have to have the car running. I believe it's a matter of turning and releasing at the same time?
08-08-2010, 02:03 PM
#35
Intermediate
Member Since: Aug 2010
Location: waller texas
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Most auto's put out 13.5 to 15 AMPS. A 5mm LED standard WHITE are 3.5 forward voltage and 20 mA forward current...so you will have to place a 560 ohm resistor, 1/2 watt to step down the voltage so you will not blow the LED. All these specs are on most packages. Try Radio Shack...about a dollar for 5mm. They also offer 3mm LED's.
I hope this helps.
I hope this helps.
08-08-2010, 04:38 PM
#36
Team Owner
Most auto's put out 13.5 to 15 AMPS. A 5mm LED standard WHITE are 3.5 forward voltage and 20 mA forward current...so you will have to place a 560 ohm resistor, 1/2 watt to step down the voltage so you will not blow the LED. All these specs are on most packages. Try Radio Shack...about a dollar for 5mm. They also offer 3mm LED's.
I hope this helps.
I hope this helps.
08-08-2010, 05:08 PM
#38
Le Mans Master
I'm pretty sure I have my brightness turned all the way up.
08-08-2010, 06:05 PM
#39
Le Mans Master
- Remove gauge surround by pulling on it as shown in the link on page.
- Remove the DIC controls by unscrewing the two or three phillips head (may be torx, can't remember) screws on each one.
- Pry the clips apart to open the case.
- Cut the old bulbs out
- Solder in the new ones
