Hey! This is my first post on MC Forum so look forward to getting to know some of you guys... anyways, I was driving tonight and hit a pothole pretty hard and a portion (120-140) on the speedo went dim. Not completely out, but dimmed noticeably from the rest of the instrument panel. The question I have (after attempting to bang or jostle the light back on) is, how difficult and how do I access the instrument cluster, do you think that I'd be able to get the light back on, or would I have to solder a new one in. I have worked on my instrument panel from my old Sunfire I used to have and I remember cracking plastic unfortunately as I went along, so I wanted to make sure that I didn't break anything in removing the dash. As always pictures and speedy replies are always appreciated. Thanks!

-Matt

 

Removing the cluster is pretty easy, but you will have to solder a bulb in. There are 12 total. Could always solder in cube leds. It took me about an 1 1/2 hrs to do the whole job. Biggest thing is reinstalling the gauge needles.

 

Sweet thanks for the speedy reply! Only question is there a method to removing the dash ? To get the cluster out? Like certain order or certain specific parts that must be removed ?

 

Pretty pictures KillerB!

 

Dope lights, did you custom change them or just reconfigure stock? I cant tell by how bright they are.

 

I replaced all the bulbs with bulbs I bought on ebay.
the led upgrade was way more expensive.
Getting the cluster out was a challenge.
I kept on removing screws till it came lose.
It helped to remove the dash screws on both sides, radio and light switch.
Soldering was a bit of a challenge, I had to make the new bulbs fit the stupid little plastic holders.
I tried it before putting it all together. One was dim and 2 didn't work.
fixed and Tried it again, all good, so it put it all together.

It took me about 2 hours searching for the correct bulbs, after I found out no supplier in Canada sells them.
then, it took me about 4 hours work.
That was a year ago and they've held up good.

 

So I got the dash apart.... doesn't seem as tight when I put it back together though -_- so squeaks and rattles a bit. But I found out that 4 of the lights are actually out so I ordered this.... 12pc Blue LED Light Kit GM Cluster Speedometer 03 04 05 06 Silverado Yukon GM | eBay I'm going to try to solder them in and see if I can get a decently nice result...

 

Sorry, here is the link... 12pc Blue LED Light Kit GM Cluster Speedometer 03 04 05 06 Silverado Yukon GM | eBay

 

The length of the leds look alittle long, but should work for ya, solder one in then check with the cluster lense for clearance. Let me find the polarity for soldering in the leds, otherwise it will be trial like it was for me.

 

Thanks, Junior Car.

I just resoldered new cube leds in stock locations. Thanks, Hiroska.

Was this on a 06+ monte or impala? Cause not many screws to remove on those years. The dash bezel just pops off, remove plug for message center buttons and there is the gauge cluster with 4 screws holding it in.

Here is a pic of the positive polarity. Remember if you don't solder them correct they will not light up.