Dead light in my Gauge Cluster. Stoopid problem but what will it take?

theleveler · 04-02-2009, 06:10 PM

So the LED(s?) on the far right of my gauge cluster on my 03 N/A mt baja are dead. Basically I cannot see my Oil Temp at all, and the high revs of my Tach are dark at night.

Ugh... Is it possible to just get to the LED's and solder in new ones? Or do I have to buy a whole new gauge cluster. I hope it's the former, since I see lots of color change mods floating around. But I can't find any fix discussions. Then again, I suck at searching this place.

If it is possible, anyone know how I go about doing it? I have to take apart the WHOLE console huh? Is there a guide somewhere for that?

I appreciate any help anyone can offer!

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YBajaSteve · 04-03-2009, 09:07 AM

ok well since I have the main dashboard color conversion thread, I know from experience, its alot easier than it looks. if you have any experience in taking interior panels out of a car for like a stereo install or something you can do this. currently, if they are still stock, you just have regular bulbs in the back of your gauges. in my color conversion i replaced them with LED's. You can easily buy the bulbs from any auto store. the replacement is easy, you just pop the new bulb in, no soldering at all. ill link you to my other writeups since ive described the process a few times. A haynes manual gives you the step by step so i would highly suggest getting one. (its just good to have anyways) this is a couple threads over on scoobytruck.com, http://scoobytruck.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1077 the bulb number should be #194.
heres another thread - http://scoobytruck.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1092

edit* i just saw you did a stereo install so you know how to get into the dash, its only a few more screws once youre in there. hope this helps. im going to update my dash sometime this week i think,, and ill do a writeup with pics just to have a Baja specific one for everyone. GL

theleveler · 04-03-2009, 12:25 PM

Thanks for the response! Your light mod is very nice. It actually seems a bit easier than I had anticipated. I'll give it a shot this weekend with my trusty haynes manual. Thanks a ton!

Alpha Wolf · 04-05-2009, 05:12 PM

I just went through this.

You do not have to pull the steering wheel.

Upper bulbs are large, blue covered and $6, the two lower bulbs are tiny clear and $15. Both go in and out with 1/4 turn.
Disconnect the battery ground
Pull the console cover.
Pull the left side dash cover
Pull the right side dash cover
Pull the gauge cluster bezel
Pull the gauge cluster unit
Turn around remove/replace bad bulb

Reverse.

Took me about an hour total.

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04-02-2009, 06:10 PM	#1
theleveler Scooby Newbie Member#: 138681 Join Date: Jan 2007 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Diamond Bar, CA Vehicle: 05 9-2x aero "Sand"	Dead light in my Gauge Cluster. Stoopid problem but what will it take? So the LED(s?) on the far right of my gauge cluster on my 03 N/A mt baja are dead. Basically I cannot see my Oil Temp at all, and the high revs of my Tach are dark at night. Ugh... Is it possible to just get to the LED's and solder in new ones? Or do I have to buy a whole new gauge cluster. I hope it's the former, since I see lots of color change mods floating around. But I can't find any fix discussions. Then again, I suck at searching this place. If it is possible, anyone know how I go about doing it? I have to take apart the WHOLE console huh? Is there a guide somewhere for that? I appreciate any help anyone can offer! * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

04-03-2009, 09:07 AM	#2
YBajaSteve Scooby Newbie Member#: 184040 Join Date: Jul 2008 Chapter/Region: International Location: Leaving MAIC entering the UK Vehicle: . 03' Baja- Sold 83' Datsun 280ZX	ok well since I have the main dashboard color conversion thread, I know from experience, its alot easier than it looks. if you have any experience in taking interior panels out of a car for like a stereo install or something you can do this. currently, if they are still stock, you just have regular bulbs in the back of your gauges. in my color conversion i replaced them with LED's. You can easily buy the bulbs from any auto store. the replacement is easy, you just pop the new bulb in, no soldering at all. ill link you to my other writeups since ive described the process a few times. A haynes manual gives you the step by step so i would highly suggest getting one. (its just good to have anyways) this is a couple threads over on scoobytruck.com, http://scoobytruck.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1077 the bulb number should be #194. heres another thread - http://scoobytruck.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1092 edit* i just saw you did a stereo install so you know how to get into the dash, its only a few more screws once youre in there. hope this helps. im going to update my dash sometime this week i think,, and ill do a writeup with pics just to have a Baja specific one for everyone. GL

04-03-2009, 12:25 PM	#3
theleveler Scooby Newbie Member#: 138681 Join Date: Jan 2007 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Diamond Bar, CA Vehicle: 05 9-2x aero "Sand"	Thanks for the response! Your light mod is very nice. It actually seems a bit easier than I had anticipated. I'll give it a shot this weekend with my trusty haynes manual. Thanks a ton!

04-05-2009, 05:12 PM	#4
Alpha Wolf Scooby Newbie Member#: 140505 Join Date: Feb 2007 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: Salinas, CA Vehicle: 2005 Baja Turbo Pearl Blue	I just went through this. You do not have to pull the steering wheel. Upper bulbs are large, blue covered and $6, the two lower bulbs are tiny clear and $15. Both go in and out with 1/4 turn. Disconnect the battery ground Pull the console cover. Pull the left side dash cover Pull the right side dash cover Pull the gauge cluster bezel Pull the gauge cluster unit Turn around remove/replace bad bulb Reverse. Took me about an hour total.