Replacing Instrument/Dash Lights? (merged thread)

313060 Views 213 Replies 92 Participants Last post by 2.5x_sleeper, 9 mo ago

cojobi

Discussion Starter · Oct 2, 2008

Hello,
Just joined the forum and am looking for some great tips for my '99 Forester. One of the instrument LEDs (I presume it is an LED) has been out since we bought it but another has gone out and I can't read the &%#$! guages at night! I have looked around here for a thread but couldn't find anything. How easy are they to replace? Could I do it with simple tools on a lazy Saturday? Or do I have to tape a flashlight to the ceiling? Thanks, Colin :icon_biggrin:

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sea-scooby

· #2 · Oct 2, 2008

The cluster comes out with a total of about 5 screws. Then you can usually replace the bulbs from the back. It is a really easy thing to do. All you need is a phillips screw driver.

cojobi

Discussion Starter · #3 · Oct 2, 2008

Wow, really? Thanks. I took a look at it and it looks complicated. Do you know how much room I have in there to do the work? And what type of replacement bulbs I would need? Thanks

sea-scooby

· #4 · Oct 2, 2008

The trim piece that surround the cluster has two screws on the top. Remove those and pop the trim piece off.

The cluster is held in with 3 screws. Remove those adn pull the cluster toward you. The top of the cluster has 3 wire clips, undo those and take your cluster inside. Sit on the couch, watch some TV and replace the bulbs that are burned out by twisting them free from the back.

I don't know off the top of my head what replacement bulbs are needed though. I do know they are cheap at Radioshack. I helped a friend repalce a few bulbs on his 01 earlier this year.

cojobi

Discussion Starter · #5 · Oct 3, 2008

One last question before I attempt this:
Does anyone know how many lights are in this cluster? Just two? Thanks for your help, Colin:Banane35:

deebom

· #6 · Oct 22, 2009

I too need to replace dash bulbs, I can remove the two screws at the top of the instrument cluster, but it feels like it's being held in by something else at the bottom. Do I just need to be more forcefull with it?

AJ711

· #7 · Dec 4, 2009

cojobi said:
One last question before I attempt this:
Does anyone know how many lights are in this cluster? Just two? Thanks for your help, Colin:Banane35:

There are a bunch of little lights. All with specific functions. Some are the normal illumination for the speedometer, tachometer, fuel and coolant gauges, and others are specific to certain functions. They're all tiny little bulbs, and on a rough estimate, I'd put 10-15 of them back there. I'm going on knowledge of my 98 RS's gauge cluster. I haven't pulled the Foz's out to check that one for differences.

The scoobymod's link has a good picture of the back of a gauge cluster.

The little black things are the lamp holders.

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ferret

· #8 · Dec 4, 2009

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mr3316a

· #9 · Mar 30, 2010

I find myself in a simular position with my '01 Forester. The lamp behind the Gas Gauge went out. This thread was great in replacing it. My problem is that I purchased the replacement lamp (part# 85066GA390) from the dealer here in Dallas ($11.50 what a shock), after installing it I find that the lamp they gave me is 3 time brighter than the rest. Now I need to replace the rest, is there some place I can get them cheaper?

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twitchefritsche

· #10 · Mar 30, 2010

Doing the same thing today but am trying to figure out what leds to order from superbrightleds.com

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mr3316a

· #11 · Mar 31, 2010

I am having the same problem, how do you figure out which one to get?

TJbrat

· #12 · Jul 10, 2010

I have not seen a recent update on where to get the 85066GA390 back lighted bulbs, in the blue holder for my 01 Forester. They are not listed in Wagner, GE or Sylvania catalogs. Dealers don't seem to inventory them and want around $13/each and 4 are required. any suggestions?

bbottomley

· #13 · Jul 11, 2010

I see that this is your first post, so welcome! We're glad to have you here. Subaru, the official car of New England! LFOD!

There have been a few posts here by members who took their bulbs to Radio Shack, searched out ones that looked similar but for the lack of the base, and then were able to retrofit the new bulb into the old base. Sometimes it was just a simple press fit; sometimes it required careful soldering.

Josey

· #14 · Jul 11, 2010

Sorry for the poor picture quality, the bulbs are very easy to find I have changed several of mine last week from a 1997 S/tb, you don't need to solder any of them they are fitted in a little cap that you have to pull them them out of, they might seem a bit tight but just pull at them. There is an example of the bulbs in the pics. The biggest ones are fitted with regular park light bulbs, smaller ones are the same as the park light which is a pull out process, very small ones are for the climate control unit and they are the ones that you have to thread through a little base. Just take them out and take them to a auto shop they will find them for you, and one reminder they are 12 volts.

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SVXdc

· #15 · Jul 11, 2010 (Edited)

Subaru used regular incandescent bulbs up to about 2006, then switched to LEDs.

For incandescent type, the OEM and Radio Shack bulbs have tiny-gauge, flexible leads, like on miniature Christmas lights (though not the same bulbs).

Here's the Radio Shack bulb that will fit: 12V Microlamps (2-Pack) - RadioShack.com

Type #7219, catalog number 272-1092.

These are slightly shorter than the OEM bulb. When I replaced some bulbs in my SVX factory radio, I fabricated standoffs (using insulation stripped from some small-gauge wire, and threaded the bulb's leads through the insulation) to raise the bulb inside the OEM plastic holder. The OEM green "condoms" (rubber gels) fit the new bulbs.

matt515

· #16 · Aug 31, 2010

does anyone know what size sockets or bulbs these are? im looking to change the the ugly green ones to match the rest of my interior lights (blue) and i need to know what size, heres what im looking at. Autolumination Instrument Panel Light Bulbs & Lamps)

any help would be great thanks

ridinvintage

· #17 · Sep 10, 2010

My understanding on the situation is that the bulbs are size 158, so I'm assuming you can use 158, 168, or 194. The only difference between them is how bright they are. I'm going to pick some up now and let you all know how if it works out.

Elmy

· #18 · Sep 10, 2010

The background light in the cluster is as said above. It's also called t10 or w5w.

ridinvintage

· #19 · Sep 10, 2010

Well I went and got some 194's and they work like a charm, only thing 2 of my bulbs condoms ripped while pulling out, so I just removed them all. Dash isn't as green now, so I'm gonna pick up some more condoms.

Elmy

· #20 · Sep 10, 2010

I did not care to get green lights again so those condoms went in the trash.

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