Dash lighting

[tkrphxr]

Hey guys and gals I have another dumb question. My 86 dash appears to be dimmer on the right side(Tach) than the left. I can read everything ok it just doesn,t seem as bright. I hate to mess with it if it is working but I understand that there are 4 background bulbs in the dash and wonder if one could be out? Would a bulb being out cause it to be dim or would I have a dark section?:confused Thanks Charlie

 

[Ken]

Yes, if any one of the four bulbs is out, the display will reflect it. (no pun intended)

You can replace the bulbs without removing the entire cluster. Remove the bezel surrounding the digital cluster and you will see four reflective silver discs. Lift the disc out and you'll be able to see the front of the bulb. With a little patience and a lot of care, you can change the bulbs from there. Don't forget to use latex gloves or the plastic bag the bulbs come in to prevent oil from your fingers contaminating the bulb which would severely shorten its lifespan.

The alternative method is to remove the entire bezel. That way you can replace the sockets as well as the bulbs; the sockets tend to get old and brittle due to the heat built up by the close proximity of the bulbs. Your new bulbs will come with new sockets which you won't use if you replace the bulbs from the front of the cluster.

Good luck.

_ken

 

[tkrphxr]

Thanks

Thanks a bunch guys. I was dreading having to pull the whole cluster!! One more question are these bulbs dealer items or can you pick them up at the parts stores?;worship Charlie

 

[Ken]

Re: Thanks

I was dreading having to pull the whole cluster!

That really isn't too hard to do.

_ken

 

[Eagle85C4]

I posted this a while back....Jensen Tools has a tool we use in the telephone industry to remove and install lamps that is perfect for the dash....Jensen Tools/lamp remover

 

[Mr Dark]

Eagle85C4 - Thanks for the heads up on the bulb removal tool. I just ordered one from their web site, since I know I've got a bulb out and I've just been too lazy to replace it.