Instrument Cluster Light Replacement... need advice

[Mr Kluger]

Hi has anyone replaced the instrument cluster background lights before?

i have had a peek behind the instrument cluster there are several wire connectors/plugs and several twist lights that just come out... (want to replace them with Superbright LED - white)

Does anyone know if i unplug the connectors (to make replacing the lights easier) will it affect the trip / odo meter memory it doesnt say mutch in the service manuals...

also i have a clock / speed alert in the upper left corner... can the back light be replaced or is it more complex than the imstrument cluster lights... it is dificult to remove due to lack of clearance with the wires in the way... might have to remove stereo and air ducting to gain access...

Thanks

ps any reccomendations on colour... any one tried blue? or should i stick with white to give it a more modern look like the gen 5's

Edited July 29, 2007 by DJ-CAMRY MCV20

[Mr Kluger]

Hi has anyone replaced the instrument cluster background lights before?

i have had a peek behind the instrument cluster there are several wire connectors/plugs and several twist lights that just come out... (want to replace them with Superbright LED - white)

Does anyone know if i unplug the connectors (to make replacing the lights easier) will it affect the trip / odo meter memory it doesnt say mutch in the service manuals...

also i have a clock / speed alert in the upper left corner... can the back light be replaced or is it more complex than the imstrument cluster lights... it is dificult to remove due to lack of clearance with the wires in the way... might have to remove stereo and air ducting to gain access...

Thanks

ps any reccomendations on colour... any one tried blue? or should i stick with white to give it a more modern look like the gen 5's

Ok.. here is what i sussed out so far...

Special Thanks goes to Leasaunce for providing some much needed info on the topic...

after google searching australian suppliers i have found one that shipps from QLD...

http://www.ledshoponline.com/automotive_dashboard_bulb.htm

the dash uses a T10 aka 194 wedge type bulb secuerd in by a plastic holder... all you need to do is replace the wedge type buld with a special refracted LED buld such as this one.... (see pic..)

There are 5 bulbs in the instrument cluster that provide the back lighting so you will need 5 bulbd... at $7 each adding postage and handling and a few other T5 bulbs for the 'ciggy lighter ring' and 'O/D off' it comes to $50...

i read on another site that it is safe to disconnect the instrument cluster guages but i still feel funny... it is all accessable with the wires in just turn it sideways to gain access to the bulbs.. they twist to lock/unlock from the sockets in the dash thing...

Led194T10.pdf

Edited August 1, 2007 by DJ-CAMRY MCV20

[Mr Kluger]

im still trying to dis mantle the clock/speed alert to gain access to that bulb... otherwise ill end up with a white green blue combo effect in my car.... (want to kill the green)

[BlindEyeSight]

This is what I replaced mine with...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/i579-97-01-...sspagenameZWDVW

but in the manual version. u just got to get used to the MPH on the outside and KPH on the inside :P

as for the OD and disconnecting it ... all safe as far as i know. Ive done it heaps of times and nothings happened, it should all be recorded in the computer.

But I think your not supposed to move your needles like the fuel one. I accidently did and when i turned my car on it didnt move back to where it should of been. I moved it back to where i remember it being, so i dont know if i have put my fuel gauge out or not <_<

Edited August 2, 2007 by BlindEyeSight

[Mr Kluger]

This is what I replaced mine with...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/i579-97-01-...sspagenameZWDVW

but in the manual version. u just got to get used to the MPH on the outside and KPH on the inside :P

as for the OD and disconnecting it ... all safe as far as i know. Ive done it heaps of times and nothings happened, it should all be recorded in the computer.

But I think your not supposed to move your needles like the fuel one. I accidently did and when i turned my car on it didnt move back to where it should of been. I moved it back to where i remember it being, so i dont know if i have put my fuel gauge out or not <_<

:D Pretty Nifty...

the 'indi glow' effect reminds me of my dads corolla....

what did you do to the a/c , gear indicator and speed alert/clock areas? still green or been modded?

ive tried pulling everything apart but those remaining few items are tricky...

Cheers!