I have my "new to me" 2000 I30 and have what I hope is a simple question.Is the analog clock supposed to be backlit when the headlights are on? Mine doesn't.
If it's supposed to be, how hard to change the bulb?
Thanks.
I30 - Clock Question
Re: I30 - Clock Question (mmike87)
It is suppose to be be backlight. My clock is also dim. I also like to know how to change the bulb.
Re: I30 - Clock Question (Kandacer)
It is supposed to be backlit, and to change the bulb you'd probably have to remove the panel that covers it.
Re: I30 - Clock Question (mmike87)
OK, since I've never seen it work I had no idea. It's bugging me, though. I hope I don't have to disassemble the dashboard or something crazy like that.
Re: I30 - Clock Question (mmike87)
In order to remove the clock, you'll need a flat head screw driver, a couple of small metric sockets (probably a 10mm or less), and a rag/towel. Wrap the rag around the flat head screw driver and gently pry the ventilation and radio surround from the side. Pry from the bottom to the top of the piece.
The diagram isn't really clear on which piece the clock is mounted to, so I've included pictures of the top piece as well. Remove the hex screw at the bottom of the trim piece, and then pry upwards to remove the clips at the top.
I have been unable to find any specifics on the clock or the bulb in the FSM.
The diagram isn't really clear on which piece the clock is mounted to, so I've included pictures of the top piece as well. Remove the hex screw at the bottom of the trim piece, and then pry upwards to remove the clips at the top.
I have been unable to find any specifics on the clock or the bulb in the FSM.
Re: I30 - Clock Question (maxhopper97)
Awesome! Thanks for the information. I appreciate it.
Re: I30 - Clock Question (mmike87)
Glad to help. Please feel free to document your repair, I'd be happy to add it to our "How-to" sticky.
Re: I30 - Clock Question (maxhopper97)
Well, I performed the operation. There really isn't much to document that isnt in the drawings in your post. Everything looked and fit together just as indicated. However, I'll outline the entire procedure - I am currently absent a camera.
1) Using a thin flatblade screwdriver, and a soft cloth, gently pry the frame that surrounds the ventilation ducts. My car has navigation and the cover looked a little different from the below diagram as the ventilation cover and the cover for the radio/nav system were seperate. Only the cover aroung the vents needs to come off. Start at the bottom and work your way up until a side pops out, then do the other side.
Note that the wiring harness for the hazzard lights are attached to the switch, and will come out with the ventilation frame. The wires are pretty short but I was able to position it out of the way without disconnecting it.
3) Using a 10mm socket, remove the two small screws that hold the below piece in place.
Again, using my nav eqipped unit as an example, the screws were removed and the piece popped up and out. There are two tabs in the back that it hinges on. The clock assembly is mounted to this piece.
You can leave it all hooked up while changing the bulbs. There is enough wire. Turn it around to see the back of the clock.
4) You'll see the bulbs. They look like what's pictured here at Infiniti help:
http://www.infinitihelp.com/Ownership/B ... 03-065.htm
A small screwdriver and a quarter turn will pop them out. Replace them. I used the super white LED "Neowedge" units from Autolumination. About $8 for two of them shipped, had them in a few days.
5) Try the new bulbs BEFORE assembling everything - ESPECIALLY if you're using the LED bulbs. The LED's are polarity sensitive, unlike regular bulbs. Neither of mine worked the first time. I took them out, flipped them around, and was golden after that. Interesting note is that the stock bulbs, although white when illuminated, look blue when you take them out.
6) Reassemble the same way you took it apart. Everything goes back together very smooth and easily - so if something feel like it's not fitting, it's not. Take it back out and try again. I imagine these dashboard parts are not cheap to replace.
The super white LED's look fantastic - I highly suggest folks try those over the overpriced dealer bulbs.
1) Using a thin flatblade screwdriver, and a soft cloth, gently pry the frame that surrounds the ventilation ducts. My car has navigation and the cover looked a little different from the below diagram as the ventilation cover and the cover for the radio/nav system were seperate. Only the cover aroung the vents needs to come off. Start at the bottom and work your way up until a side pops out, then do the other side.
Note that the wiring harness for the hazzard lights are attached to the switch, and will come out with the ventilation frame. The wires are pretty short but I was able to position it out of the way without disconnecting it.
3) Using a 10mm socket, remove the two small screws that hold the below piece in place.
Again, using my nav eqipped unit as an example, the screws were removed and the piece popped up and out. There are two tabs in the back that it hinges on. The clock assembly is mounted to this piece.
You can leave it all hooked up while changing the bulbs. There is enough wire. Turn it around to see the back of the clock.
4) You'll see the bulbs. They look like what's pictured here at Infiniti help:
http://www.infinitihelp.com/Ownership/B ... 03-065.htm
A small screwdriver and a quarter turn will pop them out. Replace them. I used the super white LED "Neowedge" units from Autolumination. About $8 for two of them shipped, had them in a few days.
5) Try the new bulbs BEFORE assembling everything - ESPECIALLY if you're using the LED bulbs. The LED's are polarity sensitive, unlike regular bulbs. Neither of mine worked the first time. I took them out, flipped them around, and was golden after that. Interesting note is that the stock bulbs, although white when illuminated, look blue when you take them out.
6) Reassemble the same way you took it apart. Everything goes back together very smooth and easily - so if something feel like it's not fitting, it's not. Take it back out and try again. I imagine these dashboard parts are not cheap to replace.
The super white LED's look fantastic - I highly suggest folks try those over the overpriced dealer bulbs.
Re: (maxhopper97)
I followed your instructions, as well as making my purchase of the super white LED bulbs from http://autolumination.com/74.htm type "B" for my 2001 Infinity I30.I was able to remove the clock per your instructions. I found that prying with a thin screwdriver at the lower left bottom of the air duct cover worked best, prying it up and working along the bottom (to the right). I replaced the lites per your directions in 1/2 hour, and only had to reinsert the right one to get the polarity correct. The super white NEO Wedge LED instrument panel bulbs Type B ($2.99 each) look great. Thanks for your information. It saved me $30 dealer installation charge, and dealer cost of $10 for each bulb.
Re: (derjimmer)
I already had my dash panel open on my I35 because of issues with the nav unit (a different thread) and decided to go ahead and upgrade to LED blubs while I was in there. They look good, are brighter than the original (the clock is actually almost legible now at night) and LEDs should last the remainder of the lifetime of the car.
Given what a PITA it was to get the air conditioning ducts out on my nav equipped I35 (they were really stuck in there), this may not be worth the trouble if that's the only reason you are opening it up and/or you aren't comfortable doing this sort of thing; but if there is some other reason to open the dash or if the stock bulbs have gone out, then it's definitely a good upgrade.
Given what a PITA it was to get the air conditioning ducts out on my nav equipped I35 (they were really stuck in there), this may not be worth the trouble if that's the only reason you are opening it up and/or you aren't comfortable doing this sort of thing; but if there is some other reason to open the dash or if the stock bulbs have gone out, then it's definitely a good upgrade.