Jibo
07-11-2006, 09:57 AM
This may work for other years, I got the basic how to from one written up for a 99+, But I know for sure this works on a 96-98 GA
Tools Required:
Phillips Screwdriver
Socket Set (I don't recall the exact size, possibly 7mm socket)
Automotive bulb #194 (You know the standard bulb used for nearly everything!)
Tiny Flathead Screwdriver
Approximately 30-40 minutes of time to accomplish this, just depends on how quick you can remove things ;)
1) Remove the HVAC/ Radio Bezel by removing the 4 screws holding it in place. (Two in the pocket below the HVAC Controls, 2 More above the Gaunge cluster)
2) Remove the 4 Bolts holding the Gauge cluster in place
3) On the back of the cluster you will see 5 Grey bulb holders. Remove the one containing the burnt out bulb. (Note there are a few other tinier bulbs that can burn out too, I have yet to replace one of mine that is burnt out, so I do not know the bulb needed to replace those yet, but they do not light up much of the cluster) It is a tight squeeze, but to remove the holder you need to turn it counter clockwise. Mine was a PITA after being in the car for 10 years :lol: Just take your time and have patience)
4) You will notice the Bulb is soldered into its plastic socket. You can either de-solder it to remove the old bulb, or as I did, just cut the wire leads.
5) Once you have the old bulb out, you can place a new bulb in. There is a trick to make it work right. First of all take your new Bulb and using a tiny flathead screwdriver, bend the wire leads away from the bulb so that both of them are pointing down instead of bent around the plastic base of the bulb itself.
6) Slide the new bulb into the plastic holder. Bend the wire leads from the new bulb around the sides of the plastic holder (you will be able to see where they need to contact the metal on the plastic housing) Make sure this is as tight as it can possibly be. The bulb will feel a bit looser than when it was soldered in. But shall work fine. You could always re-solder if you awnt, But I think that is overkill.
7) Place the bulb housing back in the cluster. Place the cluster back in its opening and secure using the 4 bolts again. Put the HVAC/Radio bezel back in place and voila...Dash lights should be back and working like new.
Tools Required:
Phillips Screwdriver
Socket Set (I don't recall the exact size, possibly 7mm socket)
Automotive bulb #194 (You know the standard bulb used for nearly everything!)
Tiny Flathead Screwdriver
Approximately 30-40 minutes of time to accomplish this, just depends on how quick you can remove things ;)
1) Remove the HVAC/ Radio Bezel by removing the 4 screws holding it in place. (Two in the pocket below the HVAC Controls, 2 More above the Gaunge cluster)
2) Remove the 4 Bolts holding the Gauge cluster in place
3) On the back of the cluster you will see 5 Grey bulb holders. Remove the one containing the burnt out bulb. (Note there are a few other tinier bulbs that can burn out too, I have yet to replace one of mine that is burnt out, so I do not know the bulb needed to replace those yet, but they do not light up much of the cluster) It is a tight squeeze, but to remove the holder you need to turn it counter clockwise. Mine was a PITA after being in the car for 10 years :lol: Just take your time and have patience)
4) You will notice the Bulb is soldered into its plastic socket. You can either de-solder it to remove the old bulb, or as I did, just cut the wire leads.
5) Once you have the old bulb out, you can place a new bulb in. There is a trick to make it work right. First of all take your new Bulb and using a tiny flathead screwdriver, bend the wire leads away from the bulb so that both of them are pointing down instead of bent around the plastic base of the bulb itself.
6) Slide the new bulb into the plastic holder. Bend the wire leads from the new bulb around the sides of the plastic holder (you will be able to see where they need to contact the metal on the plastic housing) Make sure this is as tight as it can possibly be. The bulb will feel a bit looser than when it was soldered in. But shall work fine. You could always re-solder if you awnt, But I think that is overkill.
7) Place the bulb housing back in the cluster. Place the cluster back in its opening and secure using the 4 bolts again. Put the HVAC/Radio bezel back in place and voila...Dash lights should be back and working like new.