Celica dash lights are way too dim

[ejularm]

Hey so my issue is the lights for the guages on my ra28 are very dim, the dimmer works but goes from dim to very dim so I'm guessing I need to change the bulbs? Please correct me if I'm wrong. Luckily the car came with a dozen extra lights but I just cant get the front off the bloody dash, I removed the screws at the top of the guages but can't find any more, it seems to be held in somewhere above the steering column, please help.

J.

["Z" UTE]

There are machine screws under the dash as well as above, the bottom ones are in deep holes. You may even have to drop the steering column, I know there is at least one screw under there for the crash pad trim. You will also need to disconnect the heater control cables at the control panel.

From memory, you have to use a pick to remove the controls placard, then you release the heater control box from the instrument panel, it stays behind when you pull the panel out.

Don't just throw in some old spare bulbs, lash out and spend 10 bucks on some new ones, if you fit the oldies and put the dash all back together again you are guaranteed to be disappointed.

cheers Chuck.

[ejularm]

Thanks Chuck, i'll give it a shot this weekend, good advice about the bulbs, I shouldn't be cheap no the old girl.

[ctrain]

if its all the bulbs that are dim id be checking the alternator first, probably not charging well, should be putting out between 13.8V-14.2V

[allencr]

...dim to very dim so I'm guessing I need to change the bulbs?

I'd really guess the dimmer, not the bulb/s unless they get really hot & look bright enough to pop and are really low watt.

[ejularm]

Allen I guess I'll try that next, I managed to swap out all light bulbs but can't find the bloody car keys

For the record to remove enough to get to the lights I removed the screws going up into the top of the top guages and a couple at the bottom behind the centre console, remove knobs the face plate for heater control, the two screws behind that face plate then the whole front section including all guages apart from speedo and tacho came right out, nice and easy I removed the steering column sorround too to make for more space but probably wants necessary.

[ian]

i have often wondered if there were led replacement bulbs available
mine are as dim as anything ,the dimming switch was useless even when new

[ejularm]

dude great idea! I tried ebay and there's plenty of options, I'll defniitely be investnig ni them, there a hell of a lot cheaper than the bulbs I just bought from super cheap ($6 for 2).