Tim is a class act. 
Guage cluster info switch lights ?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 498
From: Fords, NJ
Guage cluster info switch lights ?
The TRIP and OPTIONS back light's are dead on mine. Is is worth opening it up to replace the bulbs, if it's possible or just replace the unit. I found a replacement for $40.00
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
It is one bulb providing light for every two buttons. Replacement of bulbs is not hard to do once you have the DIC out, getting it out requires removal of the instrument panel(insert "PITA", but do-able). The bulbs are in a plastic holder that just twists out. Not at home now but if you PM me with you phone number I can give you at least two sources for the bulbs and explain two options for replacing the bulb.
Here is a picture of what the bulb and holders look like. The DIC bulbs in the picture do not have the "blue" covering but you should get the idea.
Here is a picture of what the bulb and holders look like. The DIC bulbs in the picture do not have the "blue" covering but you should get the idea.
Last edited by dadaroo; Oct 1, 2013 at 11:50 AM.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 498
From: Fords, NJ
It is one bulb providing light for every two buttons. Replacement of bulbs is not hard to do once you have the DIC out, getting it out requires removal of the instrument panel(insert "PITA", but do-able). The bulbs are in a plastic holder that just twists out. Not at home now but if you PM me with you phone number I can give you at least two sources for the bulbs and explain two options for replacing the bulb.
Here is a picture of what the bulb and holders look like. The DIC bulbs in the picture do not have the "blue" covering but you should get the idea.
Here is a picture of what the bulb and holders look like. The DIC bulbs in the picture do not have the "blue" covering but you should get the idea.
I have had the entire dash apart so doing that is no big deal.
Thanks and PM on the way !
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 498
From: Fords, NJ
Many Thanks to dadaroo for directing me to tstar and tstar for supplying me with the proper blubs ! Although it was an involved job requiring to remove the entire dash assembly it worked out just fine.
Thanks Again Gents !
Thanks Again Gents !
Last edited by SG Lou; Oct 26, 2013 at 02:50 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 17
Likes: 3
From: Queen Creek AZ (SE of Phoenix)
Dic bulbs?
Dadaroo. I saw your reply to Lu
Can you give me the source for the bulbs? I have the dash apart and the instrument cluster sitting on the work bench. I googled tstar but didn't find anything. I do want to get the blue bulbs since that is what is stock. Likewise I think changing all 3 makes sense.
Many thanks
John O
Can you give me the source for the bulbs? I have the dash apart and the instrument cluster sitting on the work bench. I googled tstar but didn't find anything. I do want to get the blue bulbs since that is what is stock. Likewise I think changing all 3 makes sense.
Many thanks
John O
It is one bulb providing light for every two buttons. Replacement of bulbs is not hard to do once you have the DIC out, getting it out requires removal of the instrument panel(insert "PITA", but do-able). The bulbs are in a plastic holder that just twists out. Not at home now but if you PM me with you phone number I can give you at least two sources for the bulbs and explain two options for replacing the bulb.
Here is a picture of what the bulb and holders look like. The DIC bulbs in the picture do not have the "blue" covering but you should get the idea.
Here is a picture of what the bulb and holders look like. The DIC bulbs in the picture do not have the "blue" covering but you should get the idea.
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Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 498
From: Fords, NJ
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,144
Likes: 18
From: Panhandle FL
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 498
From: Fords, NJ
The gauges are illuminated by 2 UV bulbs that are located on the right and left side of the cluster. They have High voltage warning stickers on them and I don't think they can be replaced. Only the buttons and warning light have the small bulbs. This is why the dash has a "glow effect" at night.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
The gauges are illuminated by 2 UV bulbs that are located on the right and left side of the cluster. They have High voltage warning stickers on them and I don't think they can be replaced. Only the buttons and warning light have the small bulbs. This is why the dash has a "glow effect" at night.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 33
From: Morristown TN
I started to replace mine last year but I got halfway done and got worried I would not be able to remove the whole thing without damaging something so I quit.
If anyone in east TN can do it PM me and let me know what you will charge me.
I also need to replace the lights in my HVAC head unit but my hands tend to shake at the worst times I know I would end up ruining the unit with the soldering iron.
If anyone in east TN can do it PM me and let me know what you will charge me.
I also need to replace the lights in my HVAC head unit but my hands tend to shake at the worst times I know I would end up ruining the unit with the soldering iron.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
Appears something else is going on. If it were me I would install another DIC switch.
There is a small circuit board in there. Not sure what all functions it serves. I would assume it does affect the light circuit including the diming feature. The BCM sends out a signal to dim/turn off but the actual dimming is done internally to each device. Seems like over the last couple of decades this is normal practice for switches. Even on the wall mounted garage door openers. No longer just a simple single contact.
There is a small circuit board in there. Not sure what all functions it serves. I would assume it does affect the light circuit including the diming feature. The BCM sends out a signal to dim/turn off but the actual dimming is done internally to each device. Seems like over the last couple of decades this is normal practice for switches. Even on the wall mounted garage door openers. No longer just a simple single contact.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 498
From: Fords, NJ
Appears something else is going on. If it were me I would install another DIC switch.
There is a small circuit board in there. Not sure what all functions it serves. I would assume it does affect the light circuit including the diming feature. The BCM sends out a signal to dim/turn off but the actual dimming is done internally to each device. Seems like over the last couple of decades this is normal practice for switches. Even on the wall mounted garage door openers. No longer just a simple single contact.
There is a small circuit board in there. Not sure what all functions it serves. I would assume it does affect the light circuit including the diming feature. The BCM sends out a signal to dim/turn off but the actual dimming is done internally to each device. Seems like over the last couple of decades this is normal practice for switches. Even on the wall mounted garage door openers. No longer just a simple single contact.
Thanks Again !