Instrument light replacement write up

shinigami · 10-31-2008, 04:35 AM

I have seen many posts asking how to replace the gauge lights, so i decided to take pictures and show how to do the middle gauge cluster.

1. Disconnect the battery. Some people have shorted their system by not doing so.

2. Remove the six screws holding the face of the dash on. 3 on top and 3 below. Then remove the face.

3. Unscrew the six screws holding the cluster in. 4 on bottom and one on each side. Be careful removing the side screws as i have dropped them into places where it is not fun to fish for screws. then carefully remove the cluster.

4. unplug the connector in back.

5. clean all connections and the space between the cluster and flimsy circuit board thing.
6.The light bulbs have a twist on connector on the back of the cluster. there are six total

7. remove the clear plastic and black bezel from the front of the cluster and clean out the inside if dirty. Be careful not to bend your needles.

8. Im quite sure you can figure out how to put it back together. dont forget to reconnect the battery once done.

I have not yet taken apart the tach or speedometer so i will finish the write up on those when i actually overcome laziness. If some one else wants to do that one for me feel free.

**rustywrangler** · 10-31-2008, 07:03 AM

Tach and speedo are the same. Follow the same steps for the bezel as above and then you have two screws per gauge:

Then follow the same steps as previously stated for install and cleaning. They are the same style connections.

AthruC · 10-31-2008, 07:32 AM

Perfect, this is on my list of to-do's. Do we know what type of replacement bulbs go in there? I know there are 3 different types of dash bulbs, or is it just a standard 194?

*edit* It seems that they're 194 bulbs from a quick search (for the backlights - turn signals take a miniature dash bulb). I guess I'll find out soon enough, as there is a cheesy (mis-matched) overlay on the instruments that I need to take off anyway.

JaySpencer66 · 10-31-2008, 12:25 PM

Good write up!!!

I did mine years ago and actually refaced all the instruments with white covers, and then I did blue lights instead of the standard ones. At the same time I also re-polished all the plastic in the instruments as well because they were all fogged from small scratches.

JaySpencer66 · 10-31-2008, 12:28 PM

For anyone interested in doing the "high contrast" instrument overlays, here is a write up:

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f12/black-blue-well-night-theyre-blue-249452/

AthruC · 10-31-2008, 02:24 PM

I've got my dash apart now and I'm taking OFF the mis-matched overlays - except the "dummy" spot where the 4WD light goes does not have anything but a white piece of paper. What was supposed to go there and how do I replace it?

Also, the fuel gauge needle does not move freely and does not return to "E" - should I be looking to replace just that gauge, or the entire "cluster" - and all of them appear to the be same (except Volts) with a different faceplate. Can I swap them around?

*edit* speedo/tach are out, the turn signal bulbs appear to be a #74 bulb at autolumination.com.

Tompatt · 11-02-2008, 01:30 AM

any one know how the different colors would look? like red or blue?

spiicytuna · 02-06-2009, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustywrangler

Tach and speedo are the same. Follow the same steps for the bezel as above and then you have two screws per gauge:
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p317/rescuer265/Misc%20Electrical/DSCF7122-1.jpg

Then follow the same steps as previously stated for install and cleaning. They are the same style connections.

How many bulbs go into the Tach and Speedo gauges?

**rustywrangler** · 02-06-2009, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiicytuna

How many bulbs go into the Tach and Speedo gauges?

Fairly certain it was two each.

spiicytuna · 02-07-2009, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustywrangler

Fairly certain it was two each.

...and the bulb size was the same as the others in the center?

**rustywrangler** · 02-07-2009, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiicytuna

...and the bulb size was the same as the others in the center?

Yes. These questions can all be answered by asking the techs at advanceauto or autozone to look it up. Their computers are correct on the part numbers.

**il_marcello** · 02-07-2009, 10:23 AM

Thanks for the writeup, I cleaned all the electric contacts and now my voltmeter and temp gauge seem to work again. One question on the bulbs, mine had blue condoms over them, is it normal or is it the PO that went weird again?

mexdealer · 02-07-2009, 10:48 AM

There are lights behind the vent/heat controls???
So all this time...

**JFranko** · 02-07-2009, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mexdealer

There are lights behind the vent/heat controls???
So all this time...

yup, there's also one above the switch's next to your right knee.

**il_marcello** · 02-07-2009, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mexdealer

There are lights behind the vent/heat controls???

I didn't look behind the heat controls, but I'm pretty sure there are. I can see them at night...

Quote:

Originally Posted by mexdealer

So all this time...

Yup

10-31-2008, 07:03 AM	#2
rustywrangler Got my eye on you..... Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 18,657 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Tach and speedo are the same. Follow the same steps for the bezel as above and then you have two screws per gauge: Then follow the same steps as previously stated for install and cleaning. They are the same style connections. __________________ http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...k_banner-1.gif Congenital Heart Disease is a reality for me, BOTH of my children have it. Please read up and become aware for future generations Lydia Ann-Acquired 08/05/05 Open Heart surgery 08/10/05 Jacob Patrick-Acquired 01/17/08 Open Heart surgery 02/15/08