99 Astro Instrument Panel Light Bulbs

[MarkWilliams64]

I have a 99 Astro, 225,000 miles.

I have a few gage lights that are out, not all of them so I know it is not something with the dimmer switch.
(Fuel and Voltage Gages)

Has anyone every replaced any of the bulbs?
I see where you can buy them cheap on Rock Auto.

Do I have to take the entire instrument cluster out to get to the bulbs?

Thanks for any help.

Mark

[Blue Bowtie]

The instrument cluster must be removed. It's not that difficult, just time consuming. The lamps are a mix of 194, 168, 161, and 74 mini and sub-mini wedge base lamps. A couple of the warning lamps are LEDs soldered to the I/P foil liner but those almost never fail. The low fuel and overtemperature lights are examples.

[MarkWilliams64]

Thanks Blue Bowtie.

So looking at my service manual.

You remove the Instrument Panel first.
This is done by putting the Van in 1st and Tilting the wheel all the way down.
The service manual says the Panel just is held in by retaining clips.
It also sounds as if you to remove accdessory switches and disconnect the headlamp and accessories connectors.

Then the IP Cluster is held in by four screws.

Does that sound right?

What is the worst part of the job?

As far as the bulbs go are they available at parts stores like the Zone, O'Rielys or Advance.
Or do I have to go to the local dealer?

Thanks Blue for the help.

[MarkWilliams64]

Wasn't to bad of a job.
The biggest difficulty was disconnecting the Head Light Switch Module, the Rear Wiper Washer Switch and the Rear A/C Blower Switch.

5 out of the 6 bulbs in the Dash were burn out, can't believe how bright it is now.