Accessing speedometer bulb ???

gporeilly

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Need help !!!
Lights in centre dash cluster of my 1988 5th too dim so in process of changing bulbs to #2825 5W..... have changed the bulb behind the gas gauge and the one for the gear shifter selection no problem. (Amazing difference !!!)
How the hell do I access the bulb behind the speedometer gauge ???
Do I really have to disconnect the speedo cable to access ?
Some members gave changed dash lights to led so hopefully someone can give me some direction.

Any and all advice much appreciated.
 

Camtron

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Yup. Pop the speedo cable off and pull the gauges out. It’s not a bad job at all.
 

gporeilly

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Yup. Pop the speedo cable off and pull the gauges out. It’s not a bad job at all.

Thanks for the post. I have followed the OEM shop manual exactly. Steering wheel cover off but impossible to put enough pressure on the speedometer clip to release. I have small paws so obviously I am missing something. Can’t imagine try to re- connect.
If I was smart I would leave as is but my OCD demands I finish the job I started ..... all this aggravation to change a couple of bulbs.... just can’t give up.....
Comments appreciated
 

Aspen500

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I'm not familiar with M-body clusters however,,,,,,what sometimes helps to get at the speedo cable is disconnect it at the trans and then you can pull it through the firewall grommet to get better access to the rear of the cluster.

Converting to LED dash illumination was the best thing I ever did. Went from being barely visible at night to being able to turn the dimmer down. That includes the rest also like the radio, HVAC controls, shift indicator (console shift), etc......
 

Camtron

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I just stuck with incandescent bulbs, but I did remove the little translucent blue covers from the bulb. Made a night and day difference. LEDs would be cool, but my OCD would want me to convert all the bulbs on the car and add a sequential harness for the rear turn signals. I wouldn’t be able to sleep with a mix of the two bulbs on the car, lol.
I got my speedo cable off pretty easy. took the mounting screws out, pulled the gauges forward with my left hand, snuck my right hand behind to pop the tab with my finger.
 
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gporeilly

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I just stuck with incandescent bulbs, but I did remove the little translucent blue covers from the bulb. Made a night and day difference. LEDs would be cool, but my OCD would want me to convert all the bulbs on the car and add a sequential harness for the rear turn signals. I wouldn’t be able to sleep with a mix of the two bulbs on the car, lol.
I got my speedo cable off pretty easy. took the mounting screws out, pulled the gauges forward with my left hand, snuck my right hand behind to pop the tap with my finger.
Mounting screws ?? Please explain exactly where and which mounting screws You are referring to. When I had all the screws out I tried wiggling forward a little but no go. Everything was loose except for the speedo.
 

gporeilly

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I'm not familiar with M-body clusters however,,,,,,what sometimes helps to get at the speedo cable is disconnect it at the trans and then you can pull it through the firewall grommet to get better access to the rear of the cluster.

Converting to LED dash illumination was the best thing I ever did. Went from being barely visible at night to being able to turn the dimmer down. That includes the rest also like the radio, HVAC controls, shift indicator (console shift), etc......
Thanks for your comments. A friend suggested the same to disconnect at transmission. That may very well be my next option. Getting close to putting “Lucky” in-offsite storage for the winter so may have to wait till next summer to try again.
 

Mikes5thAve

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Being a 5th chances are good you have cruise control so you would disconnect it under the hood which is a lot easier instead of at the transmission.
I've never had to do anything special with the cable. Usually the cluster pulls right out and unclips itself or you can get back there with your fingers or possibly a screw driver to push at it. It's a plastic clip that doesn't need a lot of force.
 

Camtron

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Mounting screws ?? Please explain exactly where and which mounting screws You are referring to. When I had all the screws out I tried wiggling forward a little but no go. Everything was loose except for the speedo.
The ones that hold your speedo and gas gauge in your dashboard...
 

Aspen500

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Being a 5th chances are good you have cruise control so you would disconnect it under the hood which is a lot easier instead of at the transmission.
I've never had to do anything special with the cable. Usually the cluster pulls right out and unclips itself or you can get back there with your fingers or possibly a screw driver to push at it. It's a plastic clip that doesn't need a lot of force.
Good point, I never thought of the cruse control.
 

gporeilly

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I just stuck with incandescent bulbs, but I did remove the little translucent blue covers from the bulb. Made a night and day difference. LEDs would be cool, but my OCD would want me to convert all the bulbs on the car and add a sequential harness for the rear turn signals. I wouldn’t be able to sleep with a mix of the two bulbs on the car, lol.
I got my speedo cable off pretty easy. took the mounting screws out, pulled the gauges forward with my left hand, snuck my right hand behind to pop the tab with my finger.
I installed sequential module “STS Universal” for my taillights from webelectricproducts.com..... very cool effect and sure you will love the result.
 

gporeilly

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Success at last !!!
All dash lights changed to #2825 (5W). Originals were #194 (3W) but not bright enough. Don't know if due to age or not. Was going to go with #168 (4W) but said not taking a change on regretting to use the #2825 in light (no pun intended ) of all the work involved and no intention of doing it over.
Thank you for the helpful advise from fellow members. Just for the record it is was impossible to change the speedometer and the high beam bulbs WITHOUT disconnecting he speedometer cable as instructed in the OEM shop manual. At least on my 1988 5th Ave.

The difference in illumination is amazing and very pleased with final outcome of this very frustrating project.
 
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LSM360

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It is a little frustrating because usually the speedometer cable doesn't have a lot of spare length to play with, but being stiff, it does help when pressing the speedometer back in to lock it in place.
 

LSM360

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Doesn't there tend to be a reliability issue with some of these LED's when using in older incandescent sockets?

Also, years ago I tried them in my Diplomat dash with the stock blue/green covers, and they were so bright they took away the green tint which I kind of like, and just too bright. I can't remember now, but does the dimmer still work with these 2825's?
 
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