How difficult is it to replace the console and dash bulbs in an early 944?

jwolk1 · 10-15-2001, 06:39 AM

I have lost any illumination of my clock on the console. My clock also seems to lose time every couple of days. Also the left side of my speedometer is duller than the right side. So this has lead me to consider replacing the clock and the bulbs on the dash and console. How difficult and time consuming is this? Any place for instructions? Thanks -

Jeremy
1983 Guards Red

drew1 · 10-15-2001, 11:35 AM

jwolk,

The dash lights are easier if you pull the steering wheel. To do this on a stock wheel, you have to pop the horn pad , then get the big nut loose, mark where the wheel goes on splines after pulling washer, then start nut & pull wheel to break it loose from the splines.

Take the instrument panel screws out & you can get to lights from back. On some of replacement bulbs (GE, Sylvania) you may have to pull & place the little wires before putting into socket. While its off its good to replace all bulbs & have a cover to darken the car so you can check.

Some of the console bulbs may be different. If possible pull & take examples to store when you buy.

drew1

Charles · 10-15-2001, 06:38 PM

If you only have one or two bulbs to replace, you may not want to bother with removing the steering wheel.

The bulbs are in small plastic housings, and you simply turn them a quarter-turn to release both. Feel around the back of the gauges, and you should find them.

I had the same problem with my replacement bulbs-- the wires do not sit the way they did on the original bulb, so I had to bend them to make contact with the metal connector tabs. I did attempt to solder the wires to the tabs (less bending that way) but the metal has been plated with something that does not take too well to solder. It's a pretty decent friction fit, though.

HTH...

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-C
'85/1 944 NA