89' Carrera Instruments Won't Budge!
 

I'm attempting to replace a couple of instrument illumination bulbs in my dash that I suspect have burned out. I've followed the advice from previous posts and from the pelican article, but these babies will not move a millimeter! I even tried pushing hard on the back of the fuel/oil level guage - nada.

Anyone else out there had this problem? How'd you get around it?

Thanks in advance.

Keep working on it. For me it was best to start with the clock, and using a butter knife to carefully insert behind the gauge rim and the dash to work it loose.

I had to "teeter-totter" mine out from the back. To illustrate, I used my thumb on the bottom and fingers on the top. Then I wiggled them in a pendulum motion while pushing.

Boy, that's difficult to describe in words. Maybe Jack or Mr914-6 can do better. Dang writers and their fancy words! Hehehee!

Try a twist from behind. If they've never been moved before, they can be tough.

From behind was the only way I could do this as well. It is easier if you have someone in the car, so they can let you know your actually pushing on the right gauge. Once you know your pushing the right gauge, just kind of go for it. They are not really held in with anything, just be careful your not damaging any wires as you are pushing. It will come just give it a little "elbow grease". Good luck! I would be SUPER careful if you are going to try from the front with a knife or any prying insturment, you can really F up your dash this way. I thought about going that route for about 2 seconds!

From behind for sure. And the gauges too. Another way is to use a section of electrical wire (two-wire lamp cord) wrapped around the outside of the gauge to rotate and break the seal/adhesion.

When it's time to put them back in, spray the rubber O-Ring with Windex or the like. It will keep them from rolling up on you.

It seems the concensus is that the board prefers to do it from behind.

Woof woof. Couldn't resist.