98 dash light problem=-

[jamesmetairie]

base 1998. 190,000 miles.

awhile ago the temp gage light stopped working.

now the center light of the cluster is not working.=-

the speedometer light is not working.

with the headlights on and also with them off i adjusted the dimmer switch and the hvac and clock responded.

would this be the whole cluster needs replacing or service?

anyone have any idea,s such as =-- just maybe rig some very small temporary light just to get by. the needles are orange and will probly glow.

[Schurkey]

Burnt-out bulbs???

[jamesmetairie]

i was told the bulbs are built into the cluster circuit board.
the whole cluster needs to be removed and replaced with a rebulit cluster .i,d rather not have to dismantle a million plastic parts of the dash to get to the cluster.

some kind of small blub arrangement on the outside should work.

i,ll keep you guys posted.

[Schurkey]

Originally Posted by jamesmetairie

i was told the bulbs are built into the cluster circuit board.
the whole cluster needs to be removed and replaced with a rebulit cluster .i,d rather not have to dismantle a million plastic parts of the dash to get to the cluster.

Maybe. That's how my Trailblazer is built. So what? Open the cluster, un-solder the original bulbs, solder in new ones. You don't need a "rebuilt" cluster. I'm familiar with that because I did my Trailblazer cluster about a week ago. Six stepper motors to drive the gauge needles, bulbs, and solder cost me $35 from eBay INCLUDING shipping. The whole job was done in four hours, and that was the first time I'd ever done it. I'd do it again in about half that time.

Originally Posted by jamesmetairie

some kind of small blub arrangement on the outside should work.

That will work poorly and look terrible. There will most likely be a considerable amount of glare from the light reflecting off the plastic lens of the guages. It'll be about the same amount of work as doing the job correctly. Consider how a kludge like that is going to affect the resale value of the car.

[rkvons]

My '98 Monte Carlo, (2 door Lumina) had burned out bulbs and they were all insert into holder, then insert holder into socket hole and turn 90 degrees. You can buy the bulbs at the auto parts store.

[jamesmetairie]

several gm dealers around here say the whole circuit board must be replaced and rebuilt.
but napa,etc. sells the l-194 blub ???

[rkvons]

Originally Posted by jamesmetairie

several gm dealers around here say the whole circuit board must be replaced and rebuilt.
but napa,etc. sells the l-194 blub ???

The bulbs I replaced were not 1-194s. They were shaped just like the 194s, but were about 1/10th the size.

check this out:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-73-Ins...869d80&vxp=mtr

[DeltaP]

Originally Posted by rkvons

The bulbs I replaced were not 1-194s. They were shaped just like the 194s, but were about 1/10th the size.

check this out:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-73-Ins...869d80&vxp=mtr

Probably T-37 bulbs.

[jamesmetairie]

Originally Posted by DeltaP

Probably T-37 bulbs.

i went to the salvage yard and pulled a cluster out of a 1997 lumina with 97,000 miles on the odometer. $33.
broke a million plastic parts all around it.
couldn,t figure how to release the automatic gear shift selector dial cable (column shifter) so i cut it.

the light blubs are many in sockets behind the cluster.
ganranted things are gonna get busted when i pull it outta my car.

will update . thanks guys.

[jamesmetairie]

pep boys sells a pair of "led" blue lights that stick onto the dash and plug into the cigarette lighter. cost about $14. and works perfect. they,re specially made for this job.
problem solved.

[Tech II]

Gotta get me one of those......especially having the power cord hanging out of the cigarette lighter...

[jamesmetairie]

Originally Posted by Tech II

Gotta get me one of those......especially having the power cord hanging out of the cigarette lighter...

it,s actually sharp looking.
btw = the knee knocker part of the dash is slighlty busted away so the cord is not fully exposed. just tucked down inside. and the cord is wrapped around the part inserted into the lighter and i don,t smoke anyway.

[Schurkey]

Originally Posted by jamesmetairie

it,s actually sharp looking.
btw = the knee knocker part of the dash is slighlty busted away so the cord is not fully exposed. just tucked down inside. and the cord is wrapped around the part inserted into the lighter and i don,t smoke anyway.

Now you're making excuses for not fixing it properly.