No dash lights, DANGER!!

[donniecoalts14]

Hi, I have a 1997 Rodeo, V6 3.2 L. I am a newbie to this site, I originally came on to find out why my check engine light is on, while the car seems to be running fine. But, seeing how well informed this forum is, I was wondering if anyone knows how to change out the dash lights. It seems that there are four individual dash lights, and three of mine have "burnt out" I guess, but I do not know where to access and fuses to change the dashboard lights or if it requires changing the bulbs. All of my headlights and intereior lights work, excluding the dashboard lights, meaning I do not know how fast I am going or if my engine is overheating, sorry for the long post, again still a newbie, Please help.

[Canucklehead]

Here you go.

First you need to remove the half a dozen or so screws that secure the kick panel below the steering wheel and move the kick panel out of the way (you'll have to disconnect the hood release and instrument dimmer). Then there are bunch (ten maybe) screws that secure the dash trim. Remove them and unclip the trim (you'll have to disconnect your accessory switches [defrost etc.] to get this out of the way. Finally there are four screws that hold the gauge cluster in place, remove them and pull out the cluster. If yo have a skinny hand you can replace the bulbs without disconnecting the cluster. There are four bulbs for the gauges (each should have a rubber sleeve on it, which you can toss if you get green bulbs as replacements). Overall it's about 15 minutes work.

[Gizmo42]

Did the '97s have the same basic dash style as the '98+?

If so HERE is a write up I did on installing glow gauges. Has pics with arrows to all the screws to take the guages out. If its different it might help a little bit.

[donniecoalts14]

Thanks the info was really helpful