Rep Power: 0

Hi all,
Driving the first time at night after just purchasing this car used, I found that it had some lights out on the left side of the instrument panel: From the middle of the tach to the left (temp gauge), it was dark.

The dealer agreed to replace the bulbs, but when they did, it seems they missed one: The top-middle of the tach (where the 5 and 6 are) is still dark. Does anyone have a diagram they can share that shows where the lights are—or maybe just confirm that there's one there that they didn't replace?

Sure, it's great that they agreed to replace the lights for free, but it's a little annoying thinking that they missed one and didn't bother to check to see if they were all working. So before I ask them to fix it again, I want to make sure that there is indeed a light behind the top of the tach that they likely missed.

Much thanks to anyone who can help with this!

 
Rep Power: 811

there are five bulbs for the backlight and they go in an up and down direction. there is a bulb in the top middle. and they really shouldve checked all five or at least turned the light on to see that there are no dark spots. there is also a bulb for the odometer and a bunch of other indicator lights like hi beams, signals, etc.

 
Rep Power: 0

I agree! And just to be clear, I'm just talking about the lights that illuminate the panel in general. Does it make sense that just the 5 and 6 at the top of the tach are dim? It's a pretty small area if there are only five lights for the whole panel. Maybe there's some other issue. Or maybe I have to just live with it.

Do you know of a link to a diagram showing where the lights are?

 
Rep Power: 284

Easiest way for us to tell you if a bulb is burnt out would be taking a picture of your cluster at night and posting it.

 
Rep Power: 811

i dont have a specific diagram, but there are only five that are for the needles and the numbers (backlight). the light is evened out by a diffuser piece behind the gauges, and plastic light guides direct bulb light to the needles. i do remember there being a bulb near the top center.

 
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Good idea. Will do that tonight, and post it tomorrow.

And thanks to both of you. You guys are always so helpful. Really appreciate it.

 
Rep Power: 307

Should have done all at once. They are most likely #74 bulbs you can get at auto parts store (not neo wedge style) They get hot, develop a black coating inside and fail often.

 
Rep Power: 0

Okay—so here's a photo of the instrument panel at night. As you can see, the 5 and 6 in the tach are quite dim. And now that I'm looking at it, the tip of the tach needle is pretty dim as well.

Thoughts, suggestions? Should I keep pestering my dealer to get it fix properly? It's small stuff, but still annoying.

 
Rep Power: 307

Bulb out as mentioned. They would have already had the bezel trim out so that makes about a 5 minute job.

 
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Thanks, Craig.

So there's just one bulb (out of five) just for the "5" and "6"? That seems odd! And does this bulb also light the tach needle?

To clarify, when I first brought it in, everything to the left of the current dark area was also dark. Does it look to you guys like they replaced just one bulb when they should have replaced two?

And what do you mean about the job only taking five minutes? Because they removed the bezel before, it's easier to take it out the next time? Easy enough for me to do myself (if the dealer refuses)?

 
Rep Power: 511

there are 5 bulbs (that light up 2 plastic diffuser pieces) total that light up the needles and gauge face.

as for the 5 minute job, there are 2 screws holding on the black bezel piece, and (if I remember correctly) 4 screws holding the cluster itself on. All the bulbs fit in the socket with a 90º twist, and they're size #74 bulbs.

 
Rep Power: 811

yeah one bulb there, and it helps to light the tach needle using a plastic "light guide"

its very easy to take the cluster off. that black bezel around it has two screws near the top you can visibly see due to large holes in the cover. take those off, then start from the top and peel the bezel back enough to get your fingers inside. try to get them as far down as possible to the bottom and then yank the bezel hard and straight toward you. there are couple clips and usually the first time is hardest because there is also some glue. then tilt the steering wheel down and pull the bezel out. now you can see the cluster and to remove that, there are three screws (one on each side, one on the top middle). take those out, pull the cluster out, and unplug the green abd blue connectors. take the cluster out of the car and turn it over to find the twist bulbs on the back.

 
Rep Power: 0

Cool. Wish I could give you all more rep!

So I just sent off the image to the dealer. We'll see what he says. If they refuse, I guess I'll give it a try.

Should I be able to get this #74 bulb at any decent auto parts store? I'm guessing it doesn't have to be a certified Honda part, right?

By the way, I found this article on removing the instrument cluster. Look about right to you? (Seems to match up with what Gearbox was saying ... tho it adds that you should disconnect the battery!)

http://www.ehow.com/how_7572915_remo...t-cluster.html

 
Rep Power: 307

Change out all 5 of the illumination bulbs at the same time. You will see the old ones darken from build-up inside the glass over time. Auto parts store $8,(2 per pack) throw the extra #74 in your auto shifter indicator.

 
Rep Power: 811

i have a bunch of 74 bulbs in the bases i can send you for a few bucks shipping. that way you have some for next time. lemme see what i can find and post a pic. im never gonna need them, they just came from old clusters i worked on before and should all be working. but i will test them just to be sure.

 
Rep Power: 511

Looks about right... I don't ever remember having to take off the steering wheel cover either, but I guess it couldn't hurt. As for the battery, its a safety precaution. I only disconnect the battery when I'm working on electrical components I can't remove from the vehicle

and the bulb, it's like any other bulb in your car. You don't go to the dealership to replace a parking light. I mean, I guess you could, but they'll charge you an hour for labor

the #74 bulb is similarly shaped to a 168/194 bulb (wedge bulb used in map lights, parking lights, etc), but a lot skinnier and maybe a little shorter.


here's a pic I found comparing the two.

 
Rep Power: 0

That's awesome. But hold up. Let me wait to hear from the dealer. Maybe he'll do it all for free!

Thanks again, dudes. Y'all rock.

 
Rep Power: 811

lol dont know why i still have these. the black ones are for 2001, but there are two kinds (big and small bulb). the whites are for 2002 i think, and green is for the auto shift indicator lights (on the cluster if you have auto). $5 shipped and theyre yours to pick thru. i saw a few that had some black stuff (still works but older) but most are clear.

 
Rep Power: 811

def do not touch the steering wheel covers, they are one time removal and they will not go back together again. the plastic clips inside are made to break after opening it and you need new ones if you want it to fit together again.

 
Rep Power: 511

O_o really? I tore mine apart a few times, once for the LED ignition switch DIY I made and it fits together just fine.. 3 or 4 screws on the bottom hold mine together.. Unless we're thinking of 2 completely different things.

 
Rep Power: 811

the top and bottom pieces have plastic clips that will break when you try to open it, im already on my third set of plastic pieces lol. the bottom uses screws, but on the top where it meets the other piece, its all plastics. youre really lucky that you didnt break any. i usually break enough that there are gaps in the cover and it wont stay together.

 
Rep Power: 233

Those bulbs with the black base are in the cluster of every Honda and Acura made in the last 20 years. Last time I went to pick-and-pull I got two handfuls for $2. lol.

 
Rep Power: 233

That sucks, I've had mine apart like ten times.

 
Rep Power: 811

does anyone need these bulbs? i feel bad throwing it out....

 
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Hey Gearbox—please hold on to some for me! I'm still waiting to hear if the dealer will do it for me as I'd rather not risk screwing something up myself.

But if they say no, I'll definitely want to give it a try! (Though I don't think I'll need ALL of them!)

Thanks again.

 
Rep Power: 0

The dealer's being a jerk, so it looks like I'll need to try changing the bulb myself. If you haven't thrown them away yet, I'd love to have some. Figure I might as well change them all as folks suggested.

Will PM you with my address.

 
Rep Power: 511

For what it's worth, if I still lived in WA state, I'd hook you up. I was stationed over in Bremerton from June '05 to November '09, and moved back to Vegas February 2010.

Anyways, in the case that you get stuck when you go to do it, or you have everything taken apart and have NO idea what the hell to do, post pictures of where you're stuck at. We'll help navigate you through.

 
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Thanks for the thought, RiceBoy.

I think I should be alright—you guys have already told me exactly what to do, and it sounds simple enough. I just hope I remember to test all the bulbs after replacing them, and before putting it all back together.

Will keep you posted on how it goes!

 
Rep Power: 811

gave away most of the bulbs but i have 4 left of the black kind (two big and two small) so i think that should be enough. just compare it to the old bulb for the size. not sure why theres two kinds.

 
Rep Power: 233

I've got some spares. If you need more just PM me.