ZX Dashboard lights

timbo2410 · Post by **timbo2410** » 28 Sep 2010, 14:53

Hi all, I have a Citroen ZX that has a few bulbs out behind the speedo. I've looked at a few forums to see how best to sort these out. Now I can get to the two screws without having to take off the steering wheel shrouds, so I think that will be the easy part. I am worried about the speedo connection though. How does it come off before removing the instrument panel. The Haynes manual is as clear as mud on that part. Also, how many bulbs do I need to replace the lot? I have been told by Citroen dealership that I will need 10 bulbs and also 10 bulb holders. If I get it done through them it will cost £130 approx. for parts and labour. Any thoughts?

Gingerposer · Post by **Gingerposer** » 28 Sep 2010, 16:05

I did this job a few years ago on my zx td. I hope you have small hands!

To make it easier, lower the steering column to its lowest position before starting the dash removal. You will have to try to tilt the clocks towards you or to one side to reach the speedo connector, if I remember correctly this is the type where you apply pressure to two lugs on the connector, which fits into the centre of the back of the clocks.

I think there is a separate connector for wiring.

The bulbs themselves are a piece of cake to replace but do them all - cos guaranteed you will just have replaced one or two, got the dash back then spot another couple of dud bulbss!
You probably need about a dozen to do every bulb. A good source of the bulbs is ebay - do a search for fruit machine bulbs, you will probably pick up 100 in a sheet for a few quid.
Or if you send me an sae I will send you however many you need!

Ainslie

timbo2410 · Post by **timbo2410** » 28 Sep 2010, 17:04

Thanks for the heads up

I've done a quick search and I think I've found them. They are 286 capless ... does that sound right? Got a site selling them for 95 pence each and any colour you want ....
I was more worried about getting the speedo cable off and on

timbo2410 · Post by **timbo2410** » 28 Sep 2010, 17:10

Would these be them?
http://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/R286-D ... teid=47683

Gingerposer · Post by **Gingerposer** » 28 Sep 2010, 17:41

aye that's them - but 99p each? that's daylight robbery! the going rate on ebay if you search for fruit machine bulbs is about ten p per bulb if you buy a sheet of 50 or 100, which is what I did. Unless you want coloured bulbs of course. If you are happy with clear, pm me your address and I'll send you a dozen free.

Forgot to ask, what is your location? Someone might be near you and able to help with the job.

Ainslie

timbo2410 · Post by **timbo2410** » 28 Sep 2010, 17:49

Hmmm hadn't really considered a coloured bulb ...... have to think about that one .... do I need to get the bulb holder as well? That's what the Citroen dealership said ...

Gingerposer · Post by **Gingerposer** » 28 Sep 2010, 17:57

Going from memory, the bulbs in the instrument cluster are held in by holders, which the spade bulbs simply push/pull into, so changing is easy. Twist holder a little, remove holder, remove bulb, replace bulb etc. You may find that some holders are empty or that some holes which look like they should have holders, don't have holders in. I think this is because of the different specs available i.e. rev counter etc - so I would just change every bulb you can find, one at a time, or you could have a nightmare job if you get the holders in the wrong places.
I think the only bulb which needs to be a specific colour would be the low fuel warning light, cos it may have a yellow film in front of it to give the correct colour to the driver - if you change it you may not notice running low on fuel (yes, been there, done that, oops). This could also apply to the high temp warning light, so best to find out where these are located before making any colour changes.

Ainslie

timbo2410 · Post by **timbo2410** » 28 Sep 2010, 18:07

Ha never even thought of that. I thought those warning lights would have been a neon light or something a little more gauranteed to work and never fail ... Hmmm that means I may have to get some yellow or red as well. I've got the bog standard ZX 1.9 D with no rpm or anything else other than the speedo, fuel gauge and clock.

spider · Post by **spider** » 28 Sep 2010, 18:28

The green effect (assuming its green) is done with perspex in the panel (the same with the reds / yellows, again perspex)

Changing bulbs to colours other than clear will be interesting, (colour shading)

timbo2410 · Post by **timbo2410** » 28 Sep 2010, 19:58

Ummmm so where does that leave me ... are all lights clear bulbs then? Including the pre-heater, oil pressure charge light etc etc ? And is it just the low fuel warning that is amber in colour?
If the warning lights are behind coloured perspex, then they will have to have clear bulbs, the lights that illuminate the speedo, clock, odometer can be whatever colour I wanted I suppose.

Oh forgot to ask, does anybody know exactly how many bulbs are needed?

jgra1 · Post by **jgra1** » 28 Sep 2010, 20:03

all lights are clear Tim

... some people do change the illumination ones, say to blue, to give a different look, quite nice I think although I haven't done it..

leave the warning ones clear..

timbo2410 · Post by **timbo2410** » 28 Sep 2010, 20:18

Hmmm think I will stick to clear, you wouldn't happen to know how many I need would you?

jgra1 · Post by **jgra1** » 28 Sep 2010, 20:22

take Ginger up on his offer

I reckon 2 or 3 is all you need, ....

if your in a rush halfrauds may sell them with the bayonet base for about £1 each

i took my xantia one apart recently and found a handful gone or in stupid places for things I didnt have, eg water-in-deisel

timbo2410 · Post by **timbo2410** » 28 Sep 2010, 20:25

Ok will do, Ginger, if the offer is still open I'll take you up on it

jgra1 · Post by **jgra1** » 28 Sep 2010, 20:31

I may try the blue soon, as the sony stereo is blue and it would match nicely.. will take before and after pics

although, the green lenses are already there, will probably end up with yellow or something