Gen 5 Dash Lights

[rick345]

hello there could help me please a bulb as blown behind the dash dials could one of you kind chaps possibly give me instuctions on how to remove everything to change the bulb i would be very greatful

thanks in advance rick

[daktari]

hello there could help me please a bulb as blown behind the dash dials could one of you kind chaps possibly give me instuctions on how to remove everything to change the bulb i would be very greatful

thanks in advance rick

Rick. I think mikeb has just replaced his dash lights. Might be an idea to PM him while it`s still fresh in his mind.

[mikeb]

*Shudders*

It's a nightmare, I'd be tempted to ignore it mate!

I don't have access to pictures at the minute, as I'm at work. First thing to remove is the piece of trim just under the clocks (and around the ign barrel). There are four screws on the bottom, the two on the left are obvious, the ones on the right are under a clipped on cover (lever the cover off from the left). Its a tight fit, but it is possible to twist the trim past the steering wheel to release it completely. (Make sure the wheel is tilted fully downwards)

Then you need to undo the trim panel that surrounds clocks and holds the heater controls. There are two screws on the left, one under the heater controls, one to the right of them (under the other piece you just removed). There is one screw on the right near the ign barrel, and two in the top of the trim above the clocks. You will find tilting the steering wheel up and down helps access. Pull off the knob on the air vent control on the RHS. The trim should just be held in by a couple of clips now, and can be levered away. Unplug the connections to the switches on the RHS (fog light, dimmer control). However, the heater control cables prevent the whole lot from being moved very far. If you are lucky (I've not tried this), you will have enough access to be able to remove the clocks without disconnecting the control cables.

There are four screws holding the clocks in place (two above, two below). With these undone you should be able to pull the assembly forwards and tilt it so the clocks face upwards. If you have small hands, you should be able to replace the bulbs in this position, otherwise you will have to undo the three electrical connectors on the rear of the clocks.

The dash illumination bulbs are the ones with green holders (twist to undo). The bulbs are capless, either 501 (low wattage), or some smaller type (not sure what). The ones in the top of the speedometer are the smaller type, all the others are 501.

You might find that you need to disconnect the heater control cables though (one in the drivers footwell, the other in the engine bay on the bulkhead). I am writing all this from memory, so don't blame me if it's not quite correct!

Goodluck.

[rick345]

thanks for the info daktari and mikeb much appreciated i will give it a go. let you know the the out come.

cheers again

[rick345]

hello again just been having a think and was toying with the idea of fitting L.E.D lights behind the clocks.

a friend of mine tried to do it to his escort but kept burning them out and gave up in the end.

so before i decide to dismantle everything is there a certain type and wattage of L.E.D you need and do you also need any resistors for this if anyone can supply any info it would be much appreciated

kind regards thanks rick

[mikeb]

hello again just been having a think and was toying with the idea of fitting L.E.D lights behind the clocks.

a friend of mine tried to do it to his escort but kept burning them out and gave up in the end.

so before i decide to dismantle everything is there a certain type and wattage of L.E.D you need and do you also need any resistors for this if anyone can supply any info it would be much appreciated

kind regards thanks rick

You need 4 * 501 fitment and 2 * 286 fitment capless bulbs. They are really easy to fit, just a straight swap for the old bulbs. I got mine from ultraleds. They are not as bright as traditional incandescent lamps though. I used "(501) White 4 x 5 mm Leds (Pair) New Wide Angle Version" for the 501 and the "superbright" 286 led bulb. Just about bright enough, but the lighting isn't quite as even as with normal bulbs either.

[rick345]

cheers mikeb for the info i was thinking of going to maplin for LEDS but was not sure of voltage rating they need to be or if you need to solder resistors to them but will try ultraleds

cheers rick

[GT4 BOOSTER]

buy flat tops , not domed leds , much better , if you want more left to right light, use a black permanent marker on the tops.