Replacing the Light Bulbs

by Bryan A. Thompson

Last Updated 7/14/2004

You can change the light bulbs by removing the trim and prying the silver metal caps off of the face of the instrument panel.  Turn on the ignition and see which ones don't light up.  Next use some needle-nose pliers to replace the bulbs.  

At this point, you should seriously consider replacing the 882 illumination bulbs in the cluster with 194s obtained from any auto parts store.  The 882 bulbs are brighter, but heat damage to the circuit boards always occurs, and in my opinion, it's not worth it.  The 194s are almost as bright, are still quite readable in the daylight, and are a lot cheaper than the 882s.  

 

A reader tip from Bob Golden:

LCD displays must have backlighting to illuminate.  Many times all you need to do is change the bulbs.  These bulbs can be changed by simply removing the plastic panel covering the instrument cluster.  Pop out the metal bulb covers and with the use of some shrink tubing you can grab the bulb and work them out.  Shrink tubing can be purchased at Radio Shack or any electronic supply center for peanuts.  Buy the size that will fit over the bulb snuggly.  After you have pushed it over the bulb, heat it for a very brief 2 seconds and pull the bulb out.  To re-insert a new bulb use a similar method without the heat.  Avoid touching the bulbs with you fingers.  Body oil will causes heat spots and shorten the life of a bulb.   These bulbs can be purchased through your GM dealers.

A better suggestion is to remove the entire cluster and replace both the sockets and bulbs.  This requires a little more work but will address the intermitting type of display black out.  You will have to remove the tin panel covering the back of the cluster however this is very easily done.

If you experience a complete blacked out cluster, check your ground first.  The most common ground found to be loose is G401 located rear of engine below left hand valve cover and is sometimes disturbed during maintenance.

 

A reader tip from Brian Perry:

I found your article on digital dash repair very useful.  Thanks to you, my dash lights up perfectly now.  I wanted to add one thing if i may.  I have an 84 coevettte, and the 882 bulbs in the dash cannot be replaced by 194 bulbs.  The GE 891 bulbs are a direct replacement.  They are about $ 7 each.  Thanks again.

Brian Perry
Florida

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