How to Change Light Bulbs on a Dashboard

Replacing burnt out light bulbs in your vehicle's dashboard allows you to operate your vehicle safely.

Your vehicle's dashboard uses many small light bulbs that illuminate all of the information displayed on the board. These light bulbs are important for many reasons, ranging from the simple (illuminating your speedometer) to the serious (engine warning lights). If one or more light bulbs on your dashboard are burnt out, replacing them is necessary. This usually takes little time or effort.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Bulb grease
• Car manual

Instructions

1. Consult your vehicle's operating manual to find the specific replacement bulb you will need to purchase. Bulbs differ in wattage and construction.

2. Read your vehicle's operating manual to determine how to get to the light bulbs. In most vehicles, this will require removing the plastic faceplate covering the lights. A Phillips screwdriver should be used to remove any screws holding it in place. Other vehicles require a little more elbow grease, instructing you to remove a larger section of the dashboard. To get to the light bulbs, scan the dashboard for additional screws you will have to remove. Place the screws aside.

3. Unplug the electrical connector that powers the lights so that you can pull the cluster of light bulbs out from inside the dash.

4. Determine how to remove the burned-out bulb by studying the replacement bulb. If the base of the replacement bulb features two metal clips on the bottom and is round, the old bulb will be removed by pinching the pieces and turning the bulb until it pops out of its socket; you may have to push a little to guide it out. If the replacement bulb features a square, flat end, pinch and pull it straight out of the socket.

5. Apply a small amount of grease on the connector end of the replacement bulb to assist in keeping moisture out of the socket. This will cut down on corrosion. To install the new bulb, push it into the socket in the opposite direction you pulled the old one out. If you had to turn the old bulb when removing it, turn the new one in the opposite direction to ensure it is in place.

6. Plug the electrical connector back together and move the dashboard panel pieces back into place. Screw the dashboard back on securely with the screws you removed earlier.

Tips & Warnings

• If replacing the bulb does not fix the problem, you could be dealing with a burned out fuse.

References

• Toyata Nation: DIY Write-Up for Instrument Gauge Cluster.
• 2010 Jeep Liberty Owner's Manual