Replacing dash lights help needed

[sonofsong]

Does anybody know how difficult it is to replace the bulbs in the instrument panel? I have a 99 Amigo V6 4x4 and can no longer see the clock & half of the temp controls. The bulb in the fog lamp swich is no longer working as well, may as well replace them all while im at it. I plan on keeping this car for a long time since it has been the most reliable car I ever owned & the most fun (92000 miles with no problems whatsoever so far)! Any suggestions or tips are very appreciated!
Thanks!
Glen

[OvalSports]

Just bought a 2001 with the same problem. Have any tips on fixing it?

[Paul A]

Hi (from the u.k!),
It's really easy to replace the bulbs.
The Amigo is the same as as the vauxhall/Opel Frontera in the u.k.
Undo the 2 screws that hold the bonnet (hood?) release and another screw next to the center console that fixes the lower trim panel beneath the steering column.
Remove the panel and remove the connectors from any switches that might be there.
I think (this is from memory) you will see some screws that hold the instrument panel cover - remove them.
Give the panel a good tug (it will come off!)
You will then see 4 screws, one at each corner of the instrument console, remove those and ease the console forward slightly.
Disconnect the electrical connectors to the console (push fit but they may have a clip that you need to press).
The whole instrument console will then come out and you can replace the twistlock bulbs.
You might want to take out the instrument console fuse before you start this - just in case.
Refitting is just a reverse of the above
It takes around 20 minutes to half an hour to do, although I can now do it in around 10! - Hope this helps

Best Regards

Paul



Tip! .. Replace the bulbs with Superwhite LED's (Ebay) - you'll likely as not never have to replace them!

[Joihan777]

Paul A........BIG THANKS!
I tried the procedure with your post as inspiration.
Once I got into it I found the precedure ridiculously easy!
I did it 6 months ago using radio shack bulbs. So far so good.
Thanks Paul.
Cheers!

[Tonym211]

I had the same dash light problem in my 2002 Rodeo Sport, I couldn't see the temperature dial at night. I followed Paul's instructions and in about twenty minutes it was done. The dealer was going to charge $100 in parts and labor, but I bought a pack of two replacement bulbs at Pep Boys for $3.00 (Sylvania #74) and did it myself. It's very easy, all the screws are the same type and I didn't even need to disconnect any wiring modules. Thanks, Paul, for saving me $97!
-Tony