P38A Odometer / Information screen Backlighting

Hi,

just as I was beginning to enjoy the new comfort of actual working EAS, the odometer / information display suddenly has gone blank.

I suspect there was a bulb out behind there as it was always a bit dim on the middle but now the whole display is dark / blank.

If there were three bulbs behind there (with the mid one out) that might explain the previous appearance but it seems odd that the others should suddenly fail. -If it’s a single bulb, I can’t explain the dim centre but the sudden loss seems more acceptable.

So I wondered whether anyone has had this before ? Is it likely to be a bulb (or bulbs) or is there a common fuse ? -or could it be a dead LCD panel ? (Yikes !)

Thanks again

Bob

Theirs a dimmer switch on the stalk ,Try turning it up n bang the top of the dash above clocks might get one to come back to life ,Other than that its do it wright n change them

There are two or three? Can't remember... If you pull the clocks do the bloody lot

Yep for sure, if the dash is coming out I’ll do them all, there’s a bunch of switches need doing, the clock and the hevac so there’s enough to keep me busy !

My worry was why would I suddenly lose them all simultaneously ? The dials, etc are all fine, just the info screen.

-and I had tried the trick with the dimmer to no avail !

-and I’m assuming the dash / instrument panel removal is a total faff !

It is actually very easy. Drop the upper kick panel, drop the binnacle surround and then it is held in with four screws. Takes about 10 minutes if you don’t hurry.

Nice ! -yes I found a YouTube !
Just need to source some bulbs.
-and hope it’s not a dead LCD !

Disconnect the fuel switch before you yank it out and don’t crack the binnacle. Plastics will be brittle in the cold.

There"s also the yellow srs wire ,Its plugged into the clocks think its bottom left ,,,,SOME will say you must disconnect the battery , I never have just make sure you dont put the key in till its all plugged in again,even to test the new bulbs ...

Hi folks.

So I finally got the dash unit out, and despite being a little dismayed at the amount of duct tape I found behind there and having questions about the authenticity of the (delaminating) walnut trim, it came out fairly easily.

I was surprised, however, to see that some of the bulbs (and holders) are actually missing.

I’m assuming this should be fully populated ?

I hope the bulbs haven’t been pulled to mask any issues .

I have replacement bulbs, but wondered whether any of you had a hot tip for replacement bulb holders ?

thanks again !

Bob

Early models they were all populated but I think not on later ones, only the ones used for that spec.

Bulbs and holders ordered from Amazon, I guess we’ll see on Monday what other faults there are !

I wonder if there’s anything else I should be looking at whilst I’m in there...

Still intrigued as to where the duck tape was. What year,?!

Grrrrrr said:

Still intrigued as to where the duck tape was. What year,?!

Click to expand...

Sorry, I missed your post..
It’s a ‘97 4.6l Gems, the duct tape was all over joins in the black plastic vent ducts which seem either to fit badly or, in one place, looks to have been cut.

At this point I’m going to clean it up as best I can and re tape. If major heating / cooling issues become apparent I’ll revisit it then.

still no closer to locating the footwell leak either (sigh) !