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I did this on mine just a few months ago. IF someone previously took the two pieces out and DIDN'T put the screws back in that hold the two together THEN you can just take the top panel out and get to the bulb. But if it's still factory then there are a couple of screws or bolts (can't remember which) holding the two panels together.
You'll need a 194 bulb to replace it. While you're in there, change them all out! They are all 194s. $8 for 10 on amazon.
I've only done this after everything else was out. To make life easier, that's
Seats (4 bolts each)
Side panels (3 screws each)
Armrest and center console (a bunch of screws, including at either end of the center console)
Center gauge cluster
The center console to center gauge cluster tabs were broken in my 80, so I may have been able to skip pulling the center console. I circled where the two screws are that hold the two pieces together.
Thanks guys! After a painful removal of the cluster, It's not the light bulb. I replaced the light bulb and the light still does not come on. It is my last step to have this car pass emissions in CA. I also checked the connections to the computer.
Any further ideas would be greatly appreciate.
Are you certain it's stock and still has the computer? It's right in front of the battery. Maybe the plug going in to the panel where the gauges are? Check it? You are CERTAIN the bulb is good? Tested it in another location?
Do you have one of these? I find this a great help working on mine. https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=10335&jsn=435
Yes I have checked the ECM and its plugged in. I got a new light bulb and it will not power, it will come on in other locations. For some reason the check engine light will not power. The center plug on the cluster panel, have not tried to disconnect.
Thank you for your inputs, I will keep you in the loop of this soap opera.
This wiring diagram shows which pin on the ECM goes to the CEL. Perhaps start there and make sure the ECM is actually trying to light that light? A wire insulation piercing test light is handy for this. The plug at the back of the gauge cluster is also a good place to check. I've had to replace the flexible circuit board due to bad terminals before.
If you replaced the bulb with an LED for some reason, it is directional, and will only work if inserted one of two possible ways.
The wiring diagram I linked above shows the CEL as "Blank". Here's a correctly labeled version with the CEL called out. Notice that it doesn't share a common ground, so current must pass through the light to somewhere else, so problem could be before or after the bulb, if not the bulb (or bulb holder) itself.
Diagram Credit to Willcox Corvette.
Good luck! It might be easier to move to a different state.
Great info, thanks a lot. I did order a new Circuit board for the cluster panel. It looks ok but for 50$ I will rule out the possibilities.
This car was a gift from my wife for my 60th B day. I always wanted one from that year and yellow since the stone age! So I am putting my soul and heart on this car for that purpose. Living in CA makes it some what harder, but I am not going down without a fight!!
Thanks gain for your time.
