1990-1993 G50 Instrument Cluster Message Display Problem

[SFBayQ45]

I called Joe and was about to order the 7 bulbs required for the message display unit, however I've been informed that the bulbs might not be the problem. The symptom originates from having the message display (on the left hand side vs. right for 1994-1996 models) sometimes displaying the full mileage numbers (i.e. 244 miles) but sometimes either go completely out or only displays the begining numbers (i.e. 24...). Would anyone have a suggestion on how to fix this minor but annoying problem?

[CrimsonQ]

i slap the dash. mine tends to be half lit when its below 40 or so outside.

[Jesda]

So its lit, but the individual character blocks are going out?

[nchopp]

Mine is pretty random as well. It's been pretty solid lately, but it looks like it's dimmer on the right side of the display than the left, but it seems to just stop working for a month or two at a time.

[texasoil]

its most likely the bulb(s). 90+% of time one/both of the bulbs is bad or bad connection to the circuit board.

[silverQ]

You know my status display works fine in my 91Q but it says brakes need replaced and transmission malfunction .. but my climate display is blank (but works) but the thing im most curious about early in the morning sometimes my gauge cluster has like this grey indiglo material that lites up like sweet but then it won't do it again for like a few days? I'm kinda curious what that little push button by my shifter does cause the labels worn off .. anyone know? l8r

[Q451990]

You know my status display works fine in my 91Q but it says brakes need replaced and transmission malfunction .. but my climate display is blank (but works) but the thing im most curious about early in the morning sometimes my gauge cluster has like this grey indiglo material that lites up like sweet but then it won't do it again for like a few days? I'm kinda curious what that little push button by my shifter does cause the labels worn off .. anyone know? l8r

Climate controller problem is common... a rebuild from Jerry Tucker is $100+ shipping. http://www.jerrytucker.net

Grey outlining is definately an indiglo type feature. It was supposed to emulate the "peaceful glow" of a Japanese partition with a light behind it. Mine was intermittant on Q1 before it died completely. I think they left it off on the 94+ (?)

Push button near the shifter is your shift lock over-ride. If pressing the brakes doesn't let you put the car in gear (e.g. car is off or battery is dead) you can override the shift lock by pushing the button.

Heath

[Q451990]

I called Joe and was about to order the 7 bulbs required for the message display unit, however I've been informed that the bulbs might not be the problem. The symptom originates from having the message display (on the left hand side vs. right for 1994-1996 models) sometimes displaying the full mileage numbers (i.e. 244 miles) but sometimes either go completely out or only displays the begining numbers (i.e. 24...). Would anyone have a suggestion on how to fix this minor but annoying problem?

There are two bulbs there for backlighting. It's not uncommon for them to be intermittant in my experience. If the display failed, it should still glow, but not show numbers. If you can shine a flashlight on it (or see half of it) and see numbers - it's probably the bulbs.

Heath

[goody90q45]

Same advice I got when my display was not working. If the unlit display can be read with a flashlight then it's the 2 bulbs. Bulbs are less than $5 each through Joe. It was about a 2 hour job (for me) start to finish but it was my first time removing the console trim pieces. Lots of trim to remove to get to the instrument cluster, starting with the piece around the shifter, but very straightforward. Great step-by-step instructions are on this site. Do a search and you will find the P/N of the bulbs also.

[SpartanAir]

I've been trying to find the part number of the info center bulbs in the instrument cluster but to no avail.

Does anyone have this info? Is there a similar bulb at radio shack that does the job? I had the cluster out once before and the bulbs, I seem to remember they are an odd voltage, like 14V instead of 12V...

Any info is appreciated, thanks!

[goody90q45]

Bulb P/N is 24860-60U00. They're about $6-$7 each. Don't calll IOS without this P/N. They'll keep shipping you every bulb in the instrument cluster but the correct one and you get to pay return postage or keep bulbs you don't need.

Or you can go to the local Radio Shack and buy these and wire them into the holders yourself (easy stuff). They're about $1.50 for a pack of 2.

[SpartanAir]

Thanks, that's the info I needed!