Changing light bulbs in VT/VX instrument cluster

[Julie]

First thing you need to do is remove the dash fascia to get to the instrument cluster. To remove the dash fascia, unclip the gear shifter and power window surround (just gently pull it upwards being careful not to break anything). Now undo the 2 screws on either side of the cigarette lighter (or dummy).

Now you need to undo the 2 screws at the top of the instrument panel. Now lift down the panel undernath the steering wheel (the thing u open to get to fuses),then undo the 3 screws at the top holding the fascia in.

The dash fascia will now be ready to partially remove, carefully unclip the fascia. Before the fascia is completely removed you will have to unplug all the electrical connectors (lights switch, hazards, fog lights, trip mode), to do this simply reach from behind and pull them out whilst holding the front. Depending on what stereo you have and how it has been mounted, this may also need to be removed. Now the dash fascia can be carefully removed.

Its best to now lower the steering wheel as far down as it will go. The instrument cluster has 2 screws holding it in at the top. Unscrew these, now pull out the cluster just far enough to get your hand behind it and unplug it from the wiring harness. Now the cluster can be carefully pulled out.

Thats the hardest bit out of the way, to change the bulbs is a 5 sec task, simply twist out the dodgy bulb and twist in a new one.

Now you gotta put it all back together, which is just a simple case of revresing the removal procedure.

It really is easier than it sounds, I have done it numerous times and never had any problems. It won't take too long either. If you have any more questions about this, let me know and I'll try to help u out.

[ringfeder3]

Julie, I read your submission with interest. You might be able to help me with a further query. he bulbs behind my VT exec. A/Cond/demister controls have failed. Holden quoted me about $175 labour to replace the series of $2 bulbs. The bloke said something about being careful with hoses etc. Is this a formidable job or quite within the expertise of a (patient) backyarder? Thanks

[djlingard04]

Do it yourself!!! Its as easy as the above procedure but you dont have to pull the speedo out. Just unscrew the 3 screws of the AC controld unit and pull the front cover off. there you go there is your bulbs!!!

[dlucre]

I have a similar issue with the climate control on my VT. One of the lights has gone, and only half the display is clearly visible. During the day it's OK, but at night it's a little difficult to see.

Anyway, will these instructions be sufficient for that job too?

[peterj]

Replaced the bulb in my VT trip comp yesterday, $9 for a globe seems a bit pricey...but saved a few hundred doing it myself with the above instructions.

[chops]

Does anyone have the part numbers for these bulbs? Or are they generic bulbs I can get from an auto parts store?

[peterj]

Had to get mine from Motor Traders here in Adelaide , none of the auto part places i tried carried them.

[myvrwagonneedshelp]

I have a similar issue with the climate control on my VT. One of the lights has gone, and only half the display is clearly visible. During the day it's OK, but at night it's a little difficult to see.

Anyway, will these instructions be sufficient for that job too?

Hey Just wondering how you went with the climate control bulb replacement I have to do the same thing.

Cheers Man,

[mourati]

Hi there - can some one please post some instructions on how to replace the globe on the a/c switch - this is the globe that lights up only when u turn your driving lights on and not the one that is amber lite when a/c is switch on. Thanks very much and I hope I havn't asked a silly question. Cheers

[rpurser]

hey, does anyone know how to change the colour of the instruement cluster easily? can i use coloured leds or globes or is there more to it? thanks

[Icefyre0]

Hi Julie,
very useful tips...i was hoping you or someone else could help me with a query. A friend has just bought a VX and the bulb behind/under the gear shift has blown, so hard to tell at a glance which gear she's in at night. Also, the bulb for the ignition barrel has blown, can i get to it underneath the steering column?
many thanks
barbara

[vtwgn]

to get to the globe in you gear select panel you need to remove the center console, theres 2 screws either side of your ciggy lighter, 1 screw either side next to the front seats and 2 bolts in the center console compartmet, then it should just lift out.

Once thats out its as easy as unscrewing the globe holder at the base of the gear stick and changing the globe.

This is just going off the top of my head so if i have missed any of the screws or steps people feel free to correct me.

[msabell]

Unreal thanks for this post. Ever since I bought my VT2 Berlina two years ago, have had a bulb out behind the speedo; so that at night time I can only clearly see 3/4 of the speedo, the lefthand 1/4 is faint. I'm guessing this is a blown bulb issue?? I will have to give this a shot.

[Chilly]

You said it's really easy but would it be possible for someone with NO EXPERIENCE to do this without too much hassle?

[Maccasmack]

You said it's really easy but would it be possible for someone with NO EXPERIENCE to do this without too much hassle?

mate this is so simple. trust me. you'll feel quite silly for even asking when you've done it.
it just seems daunting at first, give it a shot, take your time an you should be sweet as dude

[Chilly]

Ok cheers mate , i'll give it ago ....at some point XD

[Tucky_D!]

Hey guys, just wondering if anyone knows if the 3 lights (behind the odometer, fuel consumption & over speed) are replaceable & where i might be able to get some from on the Gold coast?

While i was at the commodore wreckers today, i asked 1 of the guys if they knew where to get some because i've had the cluster out & know that those 3 bulbs are different to the rest in the dash cluster.
His reply was "those 3 are crystals & once there gone, there's no replacing them to re illuminate that part of the cluster, the only thing you can do is to replace the whole cluster!"

Can anyone out there let me know if this is true or not? The cluster still works fine, the only thing is i cant see those 3 parts of the dash at night unless i drive past a streetlight.

Any help is muchly appreciated.

Cheers Tom

[jwoody]

just a quick question, most of the removal is straightforward, my problem is i can't get my fascia panel right off due to the stereo. How do i remove it? have a VX btw. Thx

[Chilly]

just a quick question, most of the removal is straightforward, my problem is i can't get my fascia panel right off due to the stereo. How do i remove it? have a VX btw. Thx

The Headunit?? You should be able to pull that straight out??

[buff169]

Hey Buddy, get a coat hanger cut the top of it off and then cut the bottem of it in two. Now yu sould have to "V" shaped tools. You then put the ends of them in to the two holes of the Stereo (IF STOCK) wiggle it around and out it comes, then disconnect the wiring harness at the back of the stereo unit... should be all good now

[buff169]

Hi there - can some one please post some instructions on how to replace the globe on the a/c switch - this is the globe that lights up only when u turn your driving lights on and not the one that is amber lite when a/c is switch on. Thanks very much and I hope I havn't asked a silly question. Cheers

Depends if it is a VT or VX. VT you can buy the globe from holden Ask for a HAZARD, FOG, TRAC OR PWR SWTCH GLOBE. If it is a VX ... good luck finding it in a auto store... Narva have a close replica of it though... hope this helped

[slowandlow]

i think you will find they are telling the truth. i tried to put my only remaining lit up window globe in a different window, and it didnt work. so i think that window is stuffed.
also, i found some narva wedge globes with a very similar base, the only difference seemed the base was thinner, and im not sure about the power rating either, but, they didnt work either. ill have to get some original ones next to try that. they are expensive globes though. especially if theres no certainty that they will fix the window.

Hey guys, just wondering if anyone knows if the 3 lights (behind the odometer, fuel consumption & over speed) are replaceable & where i might be able to get some from on the Gold coast?

While i was at the commodore wreckers today, i asked 1 of the guys if they knew where to get some because i've had the cluster out & know that those 3 bulbs are different to the rest in the dash cluster.
His reply was "those 3 are crystals & once there gone, there's no replacing them to re illuminate that part of the cluster, the only thing you can do is to replace the whole cluster!"

Can anyone out there let me know if this is true or not? The cluster still works fine, the only thing is i cant see those 3 parts of the dash at night unless i drive past a streetlight.

Any help is muchly appreciated.

Cheers Tom

[slowandlow]

nope. they are crappin you actually tom. it seems i got my globes mixed up when i tested it, cos mine is working now. the only thing that lights up the dispay window, is the globes at the back. if the crystal is stuffed, youlle get no numbers at all. so plonk some new globes in, and you should be ok. just get them from holden i reckon. most of the ones at the wreckers are blown too. sorry to mislead you before anyway

[prockter]

For the bulb behind/under the gear shift, what watts can you put in there for i can only get blue globs in 10 watt...this won't burnout or pop or anything? is it okay?

[wrx884]

For the bulb behind/under the gear shift, what watts can you put in there for i can only get blue globs in 10 watt...this won't burnout or pop or anything? is it okay?

a normal parker globe is used so u should b able 2 find them everywhere. but no that globe should b fine.