Speedometer Lighting Out!

[mikewags]

I've finished redoing my dashboard & since reinstalling it, my speedometers light is out...how can I go about checking this? It worked before...Is there an easy way to access the bulb without removing the dashboard? (because that just isnt happening) --- There is a screw securing the gauges to the dash, on the inside top; does this remove the gauges from the dash housing?

Help! :surprised

[sblake01]

Yes that's one of the screws and it comes out forward but there is one more screw under the dash that goes into a bracket that's on the rear of the speedo housing. You'll also have to reach behind and remove the cable and uplug the electrical connection. And don't forget to disconnect the tripmeter reset cable. The FSM say to take the tach out so you can reach behind the speedo but I've done it without removing the tach.

[mikewags]

Thanks Steve!

I'll give it a shot tommorow in the daylight. I suppose a short screwdriver will take care of that screw under the dash...how hard would you say it is getting that out?

[sblake01]

The hardest part was removing and later re installing the little screw that holds the tripmeter cable. I suppose if you remove the tach first, it would be easier because that would give you access to the rear of the speedo. If you have a dash cap, that also makes it hard to remove either gauge.

[Zedfoot]

I spent a day trying to get my speedo out and gave up because the nuts were so rusted on. This year I stripped the car to the shell and found that I could have taken the whole dash out and reinstalled it in a few hours, so don't waste too much time before considering that option. While the dash is out, replace every single bulb in there. Motorsport sells brighter bulbs which are a nice touch.

[Mike B]

...This year I stripped the car to the shell and found that I could have taken the whole dash out and reinstalled it in a few hours, so don't waste too much time before considering that option. While the dash is out, replace every single bulb in there. Motorsport sells brighter bulbs which are a nice touch.

From post #1:

I've finished redoing my dashboard & since reinstalling it, my speedometers light is out...Is there an easy way to access the bulb without removing the dashboard? (because that just isnt happening)...

He just had the dash out to repair it, but apparently didn't swap out the bulbs and it doesn't sound like he plans on taking it out again anytime soon.

-Mike

[Mr Camouflage]

Cant you just reach up under the dash and remove the bulb holder(s) from the back of the speedo, swap in a new bulb and be done with it?

[mikewags]

Cant you just reach up under the dash and remove the bulb holder(s) from the back of the speedo, swap in a new bulb and be done with it?

This is what im trying to find out. It would be nice to swap bulbs out in an easier fashion than removing the dash...that can be a real pain in the arse, especially if you don't have help.

My main concern now isnt replacing the bulbs, but trying to move the speedometer bulb/wiring to get it to light back up. I think it could have been nudged and turned off (because it worked before)

The lighting is a dim green when it does work, so bulb replacement would be nice; but if it's torture, i'll settle with just having my speedometer visible at night

[Mr Camouflage]

Yeah you should be able to reach up and pull the holder out of the back of the gauge. I find a digital camera is a great tool for "seeing" into places that you cant actuall see very well. Take a few snapshots and you can work out what wires you need to feel for to get to the bulb.

Might even be that the bulb holder has poped out the back of the dash.

You could try bypassing the dimmer rheostat, since your never really need to make the gauges any dimmer then they already are.

[sblake01]

Never thought of that. That gives me another use for my pen cam which I had been using as a borescope. I recently sold my much more costly borescope because the pen cam creates better images and is much easier to use.