Hello all, first post on this site. I bought my I30 back in May, and when it started getting cold, I noticed that the left side of my gauge cluster was dim, then brightened. It would be intermittent (almost like a florescent light) for about 10 minutes of driving, then it would stay bright. Now it will be intermittent the whole time.
I think the thing's going to give me a seizure if I don't fix it soon. I thought it would be the bulb, but I figured that it would go out and stay out if it was just the bulb. What's the easiest way to get back there and take a gander at the light. Or is it something wiring related that isn't near the lights.
Any help would be great. Thanks.
Gauge Light Flicker
Re: Gauge Light Flicker (suprvr1982)
Welcome to NICO.
In checking the instrument cluster on a 2000 Max, I found there are two different lighting designs. One uses conventional bulbs that screw-lock into the rear of the cluster panel. The other uses a fluorescent lamp in addition to conventional bulbs. The flickering would lead me to believe that could be (if that's what you have) the fluorescent lamp may be going out, another bulb is either going out or has a bad connection, or there is some sort of electrical problem with your cluster.
If you need some diagrams of what I'm refering to, just let me know and I'll post them up for you.
In checking the instrument cluster on a 2000 Max, I found there are two different lighting designs. One uses conventional bulbs that screw-lock into the rear of the cluster panel. The other uses a fluorescent lamp in addition to conventional bulbs. The flickering would lead me to believe that could be (if that's what you have) the fluorescent lamp may be going out, another bulb is either going out or has a bad connection, or there is some sort of electrical problem with your cluster.
If you need some diagrams of what I'm refering to, just let me know and I'll post them up for you.
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suprvr1982
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Fri Dec 09, 2005 9:32 pm
- Car: 2000 I30
Wow, I was just making an analogy with the florescent thing. Interesting. Looking at the needle shape, I definately have the Fine Vision type, with the flor. I'm thinking that I probably have a regular bulb out for sure and the florescent on its way out.
Now 2 more questions:Is this a buy-at-any-hardware-store type florescent bulb, and if so, do you know the numbers? Long shot, but thought I'd try.
Where do you start with taking the face off? I'm guessing with the 2 screws on the top-inside of the trim surrounding it. I have a friend that can rip anything apart and somehow put it back together, but I need a starting point.
Thanks.
Now 2 more questions:Is this a buy-at-any-hardware-store type florescent bulb, and if so, do you know the numbers? Long shot, but thought I'd try.
Where do you start with taking the face off? I'm guessing with the 2 screws on the top-inside of the trim surrounding it. I have a friend that can rip anything apart and somehow put it back together, but I need a starting point.
Thanks.
You'll just have to check the bulb when you remove it, to see if it's commercially available or if you need to go to a dealer.
For the removal, as you said, start with removing the screws from the bezel surrounding the cluster. There will probably be some metal tabs holding the bezel in; just firmly pull the bezel out straight once the screws are removed. Disconnect any wiring.
Next there will be at least 3 screws securing the cluster housing. Remove those, pull the housing out a bit, disconnect any wiring connections, and fully remove the cluster from the dash.
Finally, you have to be very careful, and push out the tabs holding the clear plastic face piece to the cluster housing. Once you reach this point, it's up to you. Use the breakdown picture above for ideas on how to remove the remaining components to access the bulb.
For the removal, as you said, start with removing the screws from the bezel surrounding the cluster. There will probably be some metal tabs holding the bezel in; just firmly pull the bezel out straight once the screws are removed. Disconnect any wiring.
Next there will be at least 3 screws securing the cluster housing. Remove those, pull the housing out a bit, disconnect any wiring connections, and fully remove the cluster from the dash.
Finally, you have to be very careful, and push out the tabs holding the clear plastic face piece to the cluster housing. Once you reach this point, it's up to you. Use the breakdown picture above for ideas on how to remove the remaining components to access the bulb.