Instrument cluster backlighting.

[CAA]

'96 ZJ - got in the truck this morning and we had some pretty bad fog. I usually keep the lighting control on the highest setting for gauge brightness, but I noticed that the lighting had become dimmer at certain parts of the Tach and Speedo. Basically from about the 5k to 7k on the tach and 10 Mph to 40 Mph was not as bright as the rest of the instrument cluster. I RTFM but did not see if this was a bulb or fuse that needed replacing and how I could get to it? Anyone else have this happen?

Also, I've owned the Jeep since 2002 and on my climate control cluster, the lighting works (or there is lighting) for the A/C and Recirc buttons but no lighting on the fan speed dial and mode selector dial. Is this just the way these are or should there be lighting for those as well? I'd appreciate any help anyone can give me.

[adgjqetuo]

Okay this is pretty easy... hopefully I can help you. I'm going to assume that your bulbs are bad and need replacing. (click the small pics to make bigger)

The first thing you need to do is remove both woodgrains from your dash. The one to the left and to the right of your steering wheel. These just pull off with a little tug, just be careful.



After that, you have to remove 10 screws from the dash.



Okay, now when you get all the screws out, you just have to remove the big piece of plastic. Push down on the upper part of the dash and gently pull it off the dash. Be careful not to damage or scratch the dash cover.



After that, you'll notice on the gauge cluster there are 4 screws, 2 on each side... remove them. Once removed, you should be able to pull the whole cluster out. (it's only in with a plug after the screws are removed)





Once you pull out the cluster, you have to turn it around and remove the 5 bulbs. They are in black turn clips...just grab, turn counter-clockwise and pull. If it's the first time, it sometimes may be hard to turn...I used a pair of plyers to help turn them on my first time. The following picture shows you where the bulbs are that have to be removed and replaced... however the picture was from someting else, so nevermind the cluster being taken apart...as there is no need, just use it as a diagram to show which bulbs need to be replaced for the gauges.



The bulbs pull out of the black clips and can be replaced from any typical auto parts store. Just put the new bulbs into the clips, and put the clips back into the cluster put pushing them in and turning clockwise. Once all the bulbs have been replaced, carefully put the cluster back into the jeep (making sure the plug is aligned) and then put the 4 screws back into it. From there i'd test it to make sure it lights up correctly. Then, if all is good, just replace the dash and it's 10 screws, and then pop back on the woodgrain, and you should be finished!

If you need to replace the bulbs in the Climate Control, it's almost the same process, only you have remove the screws for the Climate Control Cluster (3 or 4). Once you get behind it, it should have the same type of bulb clip only smaller. Oh, also, if you have the standard 3-dial climate control... be careful and DO NOT remove the the plug that controls the air direction. (it has a set of colored vacume hoses) which when removed can be a big hassle. There is a bunch of bearings and such inside that will just fall out. Trust me, I learned this the hard way. You can remove the ones that look like plugs on the two ends, but DO NOT remove the center one.

Hope this helps!

Mike

[CAA]

Mike - that is a huge help. Thanks a lot.

[adgjqetuo]

no problem

I'm home for winter break and had nothing to do this afternoon... haha.

Good Luck!

[///BHRpowered]

use LED's, I used some blue LED's in my ZJ and the results were nothing short of amazing