KenBrunner
New member
Over the 20+yrs I have owned my wonderful '88 my speedo/tach has gone dimmer and dimmer. I've searched the "Classic" forum but I can't determine exactly how much dash removal is required to replace these? How big a job is this?
Dash bulbs burnt out
- Thread starter KenBrunner
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90toytruck.
New member
shouldnt be that hard to change out the light bulbs should be able to pull the cluster there should be some white socket that twist and pull out the bulb should be a 194 avalible at any parts store
88T4RE
New member
It's real easy! did it last year on my 88' I only had to remove the part of the dash that surrounds the cluster and the panel beneath the steering wheel, be sure to get all the screws of course, unclip the cluster unscrew dead bulbs etc. easy peezy 
also Im not so sure you can get the bulbs at the auto parts store, the one near my house only had clear bulbs the bulbs in our dash have a green plastic coating and I wouldn't bother trying to remove the green skin to put on the clear ones it will only rip, hope this helps.
also Im not so sure you can get the bulbs at the auto parts store, the one near my house only had clear bulbs the bulbs in our dash have a green plastic coating and I wouldn't bother trying to remove the green skin to put on the clear ones it will only rip, hope this helps.
90toytruck.
New member
It's real easy! did it last year on my 88' I only had to remove the part of the dash that surrounds the cluster and the panel beneath the steering wheel, be sure to get all the screws of course, unclip the cluster unscrew dead bulbs etc. easy peezy
the green tint rolls off the bulbs change it out and put the green tint on the new bulb . changed out the one in the heater controls two weeks ago had to change out the green tint way easy and done deal
90toytruck.
New member
:iagree::dancin: ya what turbo said
KenBrunner
New member
Thanks, that was an easy job. The screws are all easy to get to and the trim comes right off. It's a little tricky disconecting/connecting the speedo connector since there's not much slack and you need small hands.
Got the bulbs at Lowe's hardware of all places. Around $3 each. They're 5w as opposed to 3.4w from what I can tell by Toyota parts. They look a wee bit brighter too. So I replaced all 3 to match.
The bulb "condoms" rolled off and stuck at the tips and had to be scraped carefully off with a razor blade. I tried to place them on the new bulbs as best I can. Looks pretty good with a "not as green spot" in a few places.
I wonder if you order the bulbs from Toyota they come with the green covers?
Should get the bulbs for the 2005 center console tonight. Interesting to see how the design has evolved - or not. Same twist in connectors, however the connector/bulb are integral on the '05.
Got the bulbs at Lowe's hardware of all places. Around $3 each. They're 5w as opposed to 3.4w from what I can tell by Toyota parts. They look a wee bit brighter too. So I replaced all 3 to match.
The bulb "condoms" rolled off and stuck at the tips and had to be scraped carefully off with a razor blade. I tried to place them on the new bulbs as best I can. Looks pretty good with a "not as green spot" in a few places.
I wonder if you order the bulbs from Toyota they come with the green covers?
Should get the bulbs for the 2005 center console tonight. Interesting to see how the design has evolved - or not. Same twist in connectors, however the connector/bulb are integral on the '05.
KenBrunner
New member
The bulb from Lowe's does not include the twist mount portion. I think that is what you are referring to as neo-wedge?
I suppose the bulb is classified as a dash-wedge base. It just plugs into the socket on the twist in base - like most 4-11w low voltage landscape light bulbs (but those bulbs are much bigger).
I suppose the bulb is classified as a dash-wedge base. It just plugs into the socket on the twist in base - like most 4-11w low voltage landscape light bulbs (but those bulbs are much bigger).
bak3rme
Senior Member
yea thats what im trying to get, twisty mount ones with flat bottom, so their called dash wedge base bulbs? where can i get some? without ordering online sources
I had the same problem and remembered an old trick to get any color I wanted. A light coat of oil base paint. If aplied with a brush it will go on light enough. Back in the day I had a 66' Chevell and wanted the dash to light up in red tint/hue to complement the trim. worked like a charm
. Also I have found that taking a wire brush to the contact area of the bulbs improves the brightness. Just a thought for those of you that are looking to replace your "bulb condoms" lol...KenBrunner
New member
I thought about painting them but I was worried the paint may cause exsessive heat build up and degrade the life. Much like oils on halogen bulbs. The package listed my bulbs as Xenon. I suppose the condom has its own heat trapping effects.
I happen to use toyotapartzone.com for the bulbs in my 2005. They were half price from the dealer and shipping cost/time was reaonable. I checked and I think the cassic T4R bulbs are available too but I couldn't be exactly sure from the schematic so I just picked them up at the hardware store. As far as non-online - might try the dealer or your local auto parts store for the neo-bases (twisty mount).
I happen to use toyotapartzone.com for the bulbs in my 2005. They were half price from the dealer and shipping cost/time was reaonable. I checked and I think the cassic T4R bulbs are available too but I couldn't be exactly sure from the schematic so I just picked them up at the hardware store. As far as non-online - might try the dealer or your local auto parts store for the neo-bases (twisty mount).
Just a question, how did you get to the bulb in the heater controls? I have a 1994 and ever since I've had it there is no light for the fan or heat controls, would like to replace mine. Thanks, new member here.
KenBrunner
New member
That's a great question - I didn't do my heater controls bulb... YET!
Sometimes my controls are dark and sliding the temp control side/side brings the light back on. Loose/dirty connection or bulb going bad I suppose. Currently it's working but not sure how long it will last.
I suppose it would involve a more extensive dash removal but I'm not sure. I'd like to hear what the path of least resistance is to change this one out too.
Sometimes my controls are dark and sliding the temp control side/side brings the light back on. Loose/dirty connection or bulb going bad I suppose. Currently it's working but not sure how long it will last.
I suppose it would involve a more extensive dash removal but I'm not sure. I'd like to hear what the path of least resistance is to change this one out too.
SixxiA
New member
+1
I've got a 95 with no lighted heater / A/C controls. I'll be looking at it as soon as Long motor supply finishes replacing my knock sensor! =]
90toytruck.
New member
that one is way easy as well as the others . requires pullin the dash apart but once you get to it there is a clear piece of plastic that you pull out of the way and there it is !
I happened to be by a Toyota dealer today and I was told that the 1990 thru 1995 air/heater controls, sliders and fan swichts do not have any lights behind them. I thought my 1990 had lights but they went out about two years ago and I never looked into it. He showed me a drawing of the controls and it did not show any bulbs or lights. Hopefully that is not the case. Guess I will take a look this weekend and see what I can find out. If anyone else has changed them out or if you could give me any answers that they do light up let me know. Thanks
90toytruck.
New member
thats funny my 1990 runner does have the one little wee-67 light bulb back behind that control panel that lights up the entire control panel . works pretty good now that it has been changed out :nerd:
