Trim removal for gauge/dash LED install?

[david_ray320]

So I've been reading up on all the threads here and on YotaTech about swapping out the gauge/dash lighting with LEDs. I'm pretty sure I'm going to do it but I don't actually know how to access the various spots to install the LEDs.

The places I'm looking to install the LEDs are behind the gauges-RPM/MPH etc. The key ring. And the glove box. I'll probably do the HVAC and center console area eventually but for now I just want to do the gauges/key ring/glove box and see how it looks. So can you guys help me out on how to get to those spots?

 

[GottaBeTRD]

i have an 01 but i think its the same, k make sure you have plenty of light and time. dont rush this job or it may end up taking you all day. for the key ring (easiest) you gotta take the rpm mph trim thing off too so start by removing the 2 screws on the top part where you look in at the guages. then you gotta remove the bottom piece where your knees are. there are i think 4 bolts to unscrew there. by now you should be able to get to the key ring trim piece. it justs pops off and you shiuld just see a little white plastic pin that holds the ring in place. and just twisth the light to remove it, now get back on the guages there is 2 more screws on the bottom of that trim piece that need to come out to remove it. you also need to unhook the dimmer switch (which wil disable the lights) and the center dif lock if you have one. now you can get to the gusges. you gotta on screw 4 more screws and than you have acsess. un hook all the plugs csrefully and pull it out, on mine the 3 main guage lights were a dark green back and the rest were either grey or black. there is 1 under the circut board and 2 on the side. be careful when screwing it off cause if you miss and nick that blue wiring thing you could have problems. As for the glove box i didnt do mine so maybe someone else will chime in for that. the HVAC's are pretty easy too, if you get to those just know you have to take it to pull the lights out from the back, i made the mistake and broke it pulling from the front. good luck man!

 

[Ron Helmuth]

look up RITZY

Ritzy Runner has writeups either on here or YOTA TECH.

With pics.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

It easy after a time or two. I can do it fairly fast now.

Be careful though, lots of plastic that can break.

 

[david_ray320]

OK so I was bored earlier and decided to try and figure out how to replace the glove box light. I unscrewed the glove box so I could have easier access to the light and this is what I found. There's a little module/housing thing that holds the light. I pulled that out and disconnected it from the wire that was giving it power. But now I don't know how to remove the bulb and swap it out for an LED. Can someone who's done this help me out? I know sn0wrunner swapped out his glove box light. Here are some pics so you know what I'm talking about:

This is what the underside looks like:

Sorry the pic quality is shitty.

 

[shootmymime]

should just pull right out

 

[david_ray320]

should just pull right out

The tiny light itself should just pull right out, you mean?

Ok I'll give that a shot. I just didn't want to go yanking on the light and break something before knowing what to do.

Also, can someone who's done the LED mod on a '99 confirm what # LED's I need for the glove box and elsewhere? I know the bulb sizes vary for different years. As far as I've been able to tell though, I'll need a #74 for the glove box.

 

[shootmymime]

yes pullls out, i am not sure on the bulb type tho, but i know people will know what it is, i know snowrunner knows

 

[kaiser]

ooh what logitech speakers are those?

 

[david_ray320]

ooh what logitech speakers are those?

Logitech Z4

 

[david_ray320]

yes pullls out, i am not sure on the bulb type tho, but i know people will know what it is, i know snowrunner knows

Haha you guys must have some tiny fingers! I'm having trouble getting a solid grip on it.

 

[shootmymime]

that jogs my memory, i had to use some needle nose pliers to get the SOB out!

 

[david_ray320]

Re: look up RITZY

Ritzy Runner has writeups either on here or YOTA TECH.

With pics.

Found it: here

Here's another one that's pretty much the same thing: here

So in order to access the key ring I have to remove both the gauge cluster bezel and the lower dash panel.

 

[david_ray320]

that jogs my memory, i had to use some needle nose pliers to get the SOB out!

Ahh yeah that's what I figured I would have to end up doing. But I'm worried about cracking the glass and breaking the bulb by using pliers. Guess I'll just be careful not to pull to hard.

Like I said, I haven't ordered the LEDs yet so I was just messing around and wanted to see how to easy it would be to replace the glove box light. From what I've read about everyone swapping out all their interior lights with LED it sounds like a somewhat time-consuming process so I just wanted to try and replace some of the easier lights with LEDs, like the glove box and the key ring. Then when I have some more time (read: patience) I can work on the rest.

While we're on the topic, I just asked this in the other LED interior thread that should be on the first page now, how do you access the map lights?

 

[david_ray320]

now you should be able to get to the key ring trim piece. it just pops off and you should just see a little white plastic pin that holds the ring in place. and just twist the light to remove it

I haven't gotten to this point yet so maybe it will be obvious when I actually do the mod but- so when you take the plastic ring off, you can see the light behind it? And then you just twist the light out and swap it with an LED?

 

[GottaBeTRD]

ya from what i remember its conected to the ring (the clear part) and as soon as you pull that pin out the light and ring will be loose and drop down. and ya just a little twist to get it out of the ring then just pull the bulb out of the input. the bulb i ordered was the #74 didn't really have a solid fit so i put a little super glue on the sides I made sure it was in the right spot and it was working before i glued it. hopefully that bulb plans on lasting long im a little worried now about ordering them from autolumination. (a lot of people said they had bad experience with these bulbs) so heads up. its a way easier site to find your bulbs then the vleds site Thats kinda why i ordered there. plus they came in 3 days!! hopefully i got some good lil bulbs they will show some love for a while. :kiss:

 

[GottaBeTRD]

Re: Re: look up RITZY

Found it: here

Here's another one that's pretty much the same thing: here

So in order to access the key ring I have to remove both the gauge cluster bezel and the lower dash panel.

you may be able to just pop it off if you feel confortable. i kinda wanted to see if there were any screws to screw it down but there wern't in mine and ya it should just pop out. i just wanted the surronding trim to be loose to make sure i dont break anything.