The backlight is out on the gage cluster where the oil pressure gage is located. Can someone help me with the best way to replace it ?
You probably don't want to hear this but you will have to remove the pad, drop the steering column and remove the cluster to get at them. See my articles on the site below for this problem.
I dunno about that. Sorry george, not to discredit you or anything. I agree that dropping the column and removing the dash pad and cluster is prolly the "best" and easiest way to get to it, but its not the only solution. I recently installed a tach in my dash, and i didnt have to do anything to the column, but i did need to pull the cluster out just a little bit after pulling off the dash pad. Prolly the easiest thing to do, is grab a seat on the driver side floor pan, and shove your hand up the dash on the far left. The lights are in sockets, you simply turn and they come right out. WHen you have the socket in hand, just replace the bulb and put it back in. Its definately easier if you pull of the dash pad, and pull the cluster out slightly, because you have more room to work with, but its not necessary. however the decision is urs dino.
I agree with the laying on your back and just reaching up method. It would also be a good Idea to change them all while you are at it as they are probably quite old and become dull over time even though they are not burned out. However be prepared for some cramped hands and arms and alot of cursing! You will probably have to walk away from it several times but hey that is the only thing winter is good for anyway working on your car.
I have had decent luck reaching them on my non-A/C equipped car by taking the radio out and reaching over to them through that opening.
Well I can't go wrong by trying the "reach up" method first. I know what you mean by walking away. How many times I try to work on things and have to fight it. Them walk away, come back next day and I get it done in a jiffy. What does the socket feel like ? Does just the bulb come out ? Is it a push in and turn type of socket ?
I went to this article before but had trouble determining exactly where the lights are. With your help it sounds like I turn those rectangular lugs to remove, and the bulb is in a socket. Im assuming those are back light sockets because they are spread out radially around back of gage. Is this correct ?
Its really simple Dino, dont worry its very hard to screw up. They are smal plastic sockets, and they are the only rectangular things that turn and pull out at the back of the gauge. When u turn it, the socket pops out, take the socket and bring it to where you can see. You will notice a bulb in it, just pull out the bulb and replace. As for pulling out the radio, you are right it helps tremendously, however, its hard to get to the far left gauge from there because there just isnt enough room to get by the speedo. As well dino, if you notice a light is burned out, and replacing a bulb doesnt work, it might be a defective socket. Just inspect them all while you are changing the bulb. You can either buy a new socket OR, If you notice one of the contacts on the socket is missing, or worn out, aluminum foil (the kind you bake with) works great, just rip off a lil peice and stick it in, then pop the bulb on and slide it back in. Hope that helps, best of luck.
Great info thanks guys. Drove the Stage yesterday as the roads were nice and dry but it's still cold out. Hopefully I'll get to it today or maybe next time we get a 50 degree day. But it might not be till mid to late March by the look of things.
