Replacing instrument cluster bulb?

[MarkC]

Has anybody ever replaced a bulb behind the instrument panel on a Cherokee? I have the manual and see how to do it, but is it more of a pain to do myself than to pay the $80 or so the dealer will charge?
I don't mind trying myself, but I don't want to mess anything up in there.

 

[TheTanSedan]

Agreed that it is a PITA. That one hour service charge, though, would be best spent on a CHASSIS SERIVCE and/or BODY SERVICE Manual set for your vehicle. (Likely they are around $90/ea).

You'd be amazed at the level of detail available, and be very pleased by the amount of money you'll save in this and in other jobs simply because you'll have in front of you what the tech uses.

You'll also have an idea in advance what tools to have at hand, as well as what "hidden" problems you could run into.

For this job, essentially, you'll likely have fasteners (screws/clips, etc) on the top, face and sides of the top dash panel. It may be necessary to remove it to access the gauge-area, idiot lights.

Obviously, replace everything you can, and do it all the same day . . . taking plenty of time to stop if feeling frustrated.

Some dashes are extraordinarly easy. Some are a nightmare. I doubt the Jeep piece is bad, but take your time and don't force anything. Keep a bright little flashlight and hand mirror to check for when, "why won't it come out NOW!?"

Good luck

 

[MarkC]

Thanks.

 

[K-Man]

Done this operation on my Escort several times; it's an Escort weak spot. Now I'm pretty fast with it.

Not overly familiar with the Cherokee, but here's a little generic advice:

Watch out, as you may have to remove the plastic steering column shroud and part of the front of the dash around the steering column. If so, it should be a fairly simple operation.

Replace all the instrument bulbs, not just the one that's blown. Get long-life versions of the bulb from the auto parts store; even Wally World carries some.

Use a cotton swab with contact cleaner to clean the lamp sockets once you have it apart.

Be careful and don't drop any screws or other fasteners.

Have fun!

 

[patel]

I can change my cluster of my car within two minutes including unscrew time for 4 little screw.....

Just pull with hand with my car..........

Easy

 

[Ray H]

Be VERY careful when working around the steering wheel hub-mounted airbag. These grenades really should be disconnected before you delve deep in the dash electrics, as, if inadvertently triggered, can and will cause serious injury or death. $80.00 starts sounding like cheap life and equipment insurance, now, doesn't it?

 

[scrabbler]

Agreed, be careful with the airbag. Disconnecting your battery for 30 minutes prior (to allow circuit to discharge) to working on that area should be much safer.

 

[patel]

quote:

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Originally posted by scrabbler:
Agreed, be careful with the airbag. Disconnecting your battery for 30 minutes prior (to allow circuit to discharge) to working on that area should be much safer.

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good suggestion.
THANKS

 

[Jim Spahr]

On a 94-96 Chev Impala SS and Caprice, to replace the headlight switch bulb, you have to remove the dash from the left side to the glove box on the right side. It is a Major Payne. I helps to ge the factory manual. It helps some to have the Haynes version at 16.00 or so.

 

[cousincletus]

From my experience I can tell you that Chrysler Corp. trucks, Jeeps, etc. are straightforward to work on. Haven't seen anything that is real hard to do (except heater cores

). Shouldn't be a problem to DIY.

 

[Jim Spahr]

Another dash board question. My daughter's 98 Jeep Wrangler dash 'goes out' when she hits a bump such as a RR crossing. All gauges go to zero until she hits a second bump and then they all begin to work normally. What would cause all the gauges to go out as though she had turned off the ignition switch? Any Jeep owners out there?

 

[labman]

The wipers on my 81 Phoenix would take a swipe every time I hit a bump. I tore the steering column apart a couple of times, replaced the switch, and nothing helped. A friend suggested I only drive on smooth roads. I asked him if he knew where I could fine any. Eventually one day I stumbled on an easily accessible loose screw under the edge of the dash board on a ground wire. I tightened it, and that fixed the problem.

Check the hot wire in and the ground out. good luck.