Corolla illuminated dashboard/instrument panel cluster (2005 T Spirit 1.6)

[David-W]

Hi - I've recently noticed that part of the illuminated dashboard/instrument cluster on my 2005 Corolla T Spirit has gone 'dark' - around the 120-140mph area of the speedometer - presumably because the bulb(s) behind that area have blown. I've searched on numerous forums, websites and You Tube videos but can't find any guidance on if the bulbs are replaceable and how to replace them on my particular model. I've found details and videos on how to remove the instrument cluster and replace bulbs for other Corolla models/years, but not mine. One video shows how to remove the instrument panel, and I've found 2nd hand replacement panels, but from close examination of both, it would appear that the bulbs are not replaceable. Does anyone have any guidance or advice on this? I've attached a couple of pictures (from the net, not from my actual car) of the particular instrument cluster in question .

[Mooly]

I wonder if these use LED's rather than bulbs. You would need to dismantle it further to check (perhaps one of the replacements). If they are LED's then it is a soldering exercise that would require previous experience working with these type of SMD (surface mount devices) to do successfully. It is possible to remove them but they can be damaged by excess heat... its a totally different skill set tbh, pure electronics rework. The LED's also must be fitted the correct way around unlike bulbs.... and all this assumes they are LED's of course. 

I think there are some threads for LED replacement in the Auris section as I recall the turn indicators can sometimes give trouble on those. That would show you what's involved.

First you need to pull one apart and see what you are dealing with. If there are no on-line videos and that kind of thing for these then it suggests they are super reliable and probably are LED.

Good luck 🙂

[David-W]

Thanks for your reply - I've also been in touch with Toyota Direct Parts, and it looks like it's a complete unit without accessible and replaceable, individual bulbs or LEDs. I've not come across this issue on this or any other forums, so I suspect it's relatively unusual. I might check it out at my local garage. In the meantime I should be OK as long as I don't go over 120mph.

[flash22]

They will be smd led's it requires some skill with a soldering iron to complete, LEDs are typically wired in sections hence why you just have one dead area

[David-W]

Probably beyond my skill-set, but will check my local garage too. Thanks 👍

[oldcodger]

You might be better contacting some of the  'car instrument panel repair specialists'  or  a local Auto Electrician.

[David-W]

Thanks, will check them out too 👍