How to remove gauge cluster to replace "D" bulb? Please

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B

barneyhyphen

10 Year
Joined
Jul 2, 2011
Threads
5
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32
Been working on the old '00 lx 470 trying to fix a non-communicating key(s) problem. Got the lower dash off and thought "whilst I'm in here, I'll fix that "D" bulb that's been out since 2002!

I can get the cluster out about 3" and can just squeeze my fingers down the back of it BUT can't get it out any further or even feel any bulb holders.

Help much appreciated, thank you in advance of your fine answers.

BH
 
Do't do it, you'll be sorry... :lol: Seriously, that thing is SO bright, after you replace it, you'll be wishing you didn't... :cheers:
 
You might be able to remove the cluster easier if you move the steering column out and down a little further. If you push the "steering wheel adjuster knob" downwards 6-7 times (after it has reached maximum) you will see the column move down another 1/4". This also works when extending the column. 6-7 pushes (pull towards yourself) will extend the column an extra 1/4". This will give you that little extra room to take out the cluster. If I remember correctly, you have to remove a dozen or so small screws and remove a plate and some electrical wire to get access to the bulbs. Take a photo of the plate before removing the screws so that you remember where to place them when done. I had more holes than screws and I couldn't remember which screws went where.
 
It comes out fairly easily:
- Remove the black plastic trim piece that runs across the bottom of the cluster. It pulls straight out [held by two spring clips that will let go when you pull]
- Now you will see the two large connectors with two philips head screws each. Remove those four screws.
- You can now pull the cluster forward. Adjust the steering wheel fully down to create enough clearance to wiggle the cluster out.
- Turn the cluster over and you'll see several small phillips head screws holding a rectangular black plastic cover. Remove those screws, remove the cover.
- Now you will see the bases of all the bulbs in the circuit board. They are quarter turn counter-clockwise to remove.

OK, that's the info you were after. If all you are doing is replacign the D light........DONT! Its bright and annoying. If you forget that you are in D just look down at the shifter with its lighted gear numbers.
 
After all the "don't do it" comments, just buttoned it all up this evening and left the dead "D" bulb in there!

Tried the bang the top of the dash trick but didn't work for me.

BH
 
My D light was out when I bought the truck 3 years ago... Until Sunday, it came on for some unknown reason! It is not as bright as the P, N, 2 or 1 lights, so maybe it is just barely making contact in the socket?

Sent from my Thunderbonner using IH8MUD
 
parnoren said:
You might be able to remove the cluster easier if you move the steering column out and down a little further. If you push the "steering wheel adjuster knob" downwards 6-7 times (after it has reached maximum) you will see the column move down another 1/4". This also works when extending the column. 6-7 pushes (pull towards yourself) will extend the column an extra 1/4". This will give you that little extra room to take out the cluster. If I remember correctly, you have to remove a dozen or so small screws and remove a plate and some electrical wire to get access to the bulbs. Take a photo of the plate before removing the screws so that you remember where to place them when done. I had more holes than screws and I couldn't remember which screws went where.
Click to expand...

...what is this "steering wheel adjuster knob" you speak of???

:eek:
 
jeetS said:
...what is this "steering wheel adjuster knob" you speak of???:eek:
Click to expand...
The steering wheel in-out / up-down switch on the left side of the steering column just down the column from the wheel itself.

Steve
 
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