instrument cluster - helpful hints?
Thread Starter
Acct disabled by request 16 Aug 2009
Joined: Sep 2002
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instrument cluster - helpful hints?
I've got a bulb burnt out on the left hand side of the instrument cluster so I'm trying to get it out. My Haynes book is letting me down again. Any helpful hints would be appreciated. It says to pull out the left side a little so that you can unplug the wires on the right hand side, but I don't seem to get enough room to get at them??
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
On my 87 I found it easier to pull the cluster, then because one bulb was burnt I felt the others probably weren't far behind, so I replaced all of them, that was 6 years ago. You may want to look in the "tech tip" section. I think I've read posts before where someone has replaced them without doing it the way I did, but it was easy for me.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
Don't remember all the details, but I disconnected the battery first, then removed the trim, if memory serves the whole cluster is just held in place with a few screws, not difficult at all. Have admit the first time I did it I was a little nervous. Tilt the steering wheel down a place a towel for the cluster to lean on, I just tilted it out enough to access the bulbs.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 780
Likes: 0
From: New Port Richey Florida
I just put a rebuilt cluster in my 86, and after getting in all back in I turned the lights on and only half lit up, I was ready to take it all out again but after I removed the trim bezel I could see some round aluminum pieces in the front of the cluster i took a chance and popped one off and sure enough I could see the bulb, tight quarters but with a pair of needle noise pliers being careful not to put to much pressure I was able to pop the bulb out, it comes out with just the wires not the socket, the replacement bulbs come apart the same way, any way I was able to replace 4 bulbs that way and all seems to be fine. i may have just been lucky but it worked for me and saved taking the cluster out again. just thought I'd pass it on. Good luck it's worth a try, if it don't work your half way there to pulling the cluster, and it's not that hard, just have to be careful.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,884
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From: Magnolia Mississippi
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Thread Starter
Acct disabled by request 16 Aug 2009
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 498
Likes: 0
Just a follow up - Took the cluster all the way out and then put it back in - changing the bulbs from the front was the easiest way. First time in six years that I've had all the dash lite up. Got the bulbs and a little kit from Mid America which made it easy.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 506
Likes: 12
From: Savannah GA
I got the bulbs in town years ago at NAPA, they ordered them from the local distribution center. The 882 bulbs are expensive anywhere. I think I have seen where you can replace them with another bulb that isn't quite as bright and easy to get like a 197 maybe?
All the bulbs come with new sockets because they run so hot the socket gets brittle.
JS
All the bulbs come with new sockets because they run so hot the socket gets brittle.
JS
