Dash Lights
Up Airconditioner Dash Lights Cruise Control Oil Change Light Refinishing Dash Spark Plugs Stereo Mods Recalls & TSB's TBI hose bypass

 

Ken's Tip

The dash light bulbs on an 86 vette can be interesting to deal with. I had read several places on the net dealing with this topic and all made it sound like I was in for a nightmare:) Luckily I decided to explore the repair myself and started with the removal of the face plate around the gauges first.

dashfrontscrews.jpg (15887 bytes)

Here you can see the 2 top screws for the face plate.

dashsidescrews.jpg (28077 bytes)

Here are the 4 side screws, even after removing all the screws the face plate is a pain to get out. You need to grab the the plate by reaching inside the round a/c duct hole you see to the left here and press outward and downward.

guagepanelout.jpg (44671 bytes)

This is the view with the panel out and b4 the new steering wheel too:) I can't find my pics yet for the actual bulb replacement but will post them as soon as I locate them. If you notice the top center shows the 2 silver caps for the top 2 bulbs and below and more inward you can see one of the bottom ones. Also notice the top left cap is out a bit. I wasn't able to purchase but 3 correct bulbs and 1 almost correct bulb:) The top left one is a little to large but works. Also NOTE : DO NOT TOUCH the NEW bulbs with your fingers. Always use a rag or something. The bulbs are halogen and touching them with your fingers will shorten the life of the bulb BIG time. This can cause the bulb to burn out with as little as 5 minutes of use. Now for the removal. The caps don't unscrew they just turn a small amount and then you pry them off with a small screwdriver. Now gently rock the old bulb back and forth to get it unseated from the socket. Then remove the loose bulb with  a pair of needlenose pliers. Now using a cloth to insulate the bulb from the pliers insert the bulb into the socket. Then use the end of the rag to apply pressure to the top of the bulb to insure its seated good. Now reinstall the silver cap. Repeat for as many bulbs as needs replacing:) After this reinstall dash panel and screws.

dash.jpg (30168 bytes)

This shows the new bulbs in place. Too bad I didn't take a pic b4 I fixed it:) Oh well....

Be sure to check out the other tips concerning this fix on the left of the screen.