Dash Bulbs

Guru Meditation · Unread post by **Guru Meditation** » 10 Feb 2004, 23:06

Buying some bulbs for my dash from GSF which ones?
N95932 BULB 12V 1,2W 5MM WEDGE DASHBOARD BULB 12V 1.2W CAPLESS (286)
or
N95935 BULB 12V 3W 10MM WEDGE DASH BULB 12V BULB 12V 3W CAPLESS
Anyone know?
Thanks

alexx · Unread post by **alexx** » 10 Feb 2004, 23:16

I recently replaced a bulb on climate controls on my Xantia. It was 1.2 W, integrated plastic bulbholder with 6mm hexagonal head (didn't see this type before).

Stuart McB · Unread post by **Stuart McB** » 11 Feb 2004, 00:55

Replaced the bulbs onmy ZX dash some time ago now but remember they were tiny little things and capless. If by 5mm and 10mm you mean the width on the bulb at it's bottom then they are 5mm. Hope this helps.

Guru Meditation · Unread post by **Guru Meditation** » 11 Feb 2004, 03:25

Yep Stuart, that helps a lot thanks. I'll order some of the 5mm ones then.

rossnunn · Unread post by **rossnunn** » 14 Feb 2004, 00:56

What about using white LED's? I have and never changed one since.....
R

VisaGTi16v · Unread post by **VisaGTi16v** » 14 Feb 2004, 18:08

Stuart, how hard a job was it? I need to replace about 4 in the main dash and all the ones on the heater/fan knobs in the centre console on my zx. Going to read the haynes manual but im sure someone said something about needing a tiny hand to get in and remove the speedo cable to get the dash out?

James.UK · Unread post by **James.UK** » 14 Feb 2004, 18:44

Darren, dont replace a few bulbs, replace them all! if you dont another one will blow tomorrow! [:(!]
Disconnecting the speedo can be a pain, but I seem to recall someone on this site managed to do it in a diff manner. Unfortunatley I cant recall the exact details, I think he removed the heater outlet on the right hand side of the dash to gain access? so try as many aproaches as you can!
Its not a bad job to do,(I helped my mate do it on my car) but it does require a lot of time, care, and patience.. While you are at it, it may be worthwhile changing the heater control bulbs, and oiling-cleaning any controls or connections you come across while you can get at them. [:D] And make sure you push the speedo cable firmly home when you refit it.
When we finished the job we had two lil screws left over. [:I] I still have them so next time we do the job we may find out where they live. [:D]
The reason I needed help is due to having had both hip joints replaced, thus having limited movement in them now, and you need to be a bit 'bendy' to get in under the dash and footwells...
Good luck, and please post any new approaches or time saving idea's you may get while your under there, surprising how well you brain works sometimes when its upside down [:D]

VisaGTi16v · Unread post by **VisaGTi16v** » 15 Feb 2004, 04:30

I think I will get some more bulbs then as I only got 10 and the dash plus centre console will probably be more than that.
"you need to be a bit 'bendy' to get in under the dash and footwells..." perhaps I will leave it until my broken collar bone heals enough so that I can lift my arm above shoulder height without stupid pain!

rabenson · Unread post by **rabenson** » 15 Feb 2004, 17:46

Rossnunn - Where did you get your white LEDs from? are they a direct replacement for the bulbs or is it a DIY adaption job? - I've got a few bulbs out on my zx and after hearing the hassle involved in replacing them I really only want to do the job once!!
Ron

James.UK · Unread post by **James.UK** » 15 Feb 2004, 19:34

.
Word of warning!! .. "Haynes" claim you can replace the bulbs by removing the radio and ashtray, I found that to be untrue..
When I finaly got the heater control panel off I found that two of the four bulbs were broken off inside. [:0] [:(!]
I think that was caused by some prev owner trying to replace them without actually removing the panel first. So you really do need to take it off as there may be brocken bits of bulb in yours.. [V]
.

Stuart McB · Unread post by **Stuart McB** » 15 Feb 2004, 22:17

I found it a bit of a pain but I managed to get my hand in behind the dash by removing all the appropriate screws then just tugged at the speedo and off it came. I would advise replacing all the bulbs. I think all in there's 10 or is it 12. But any how all bulbs now working and the dispaly can be viewed at night.

VisaGTi16v · Unread post by **VisaGTi16v** » 16 Feb 2004, 14:19

I was reading the haynes manual (of lies) last night and it reckons all you need to do is remove steering wheel, shroud, fuse holder thing, heater ducting tube then apparently you can undo the 4 screws on the dash and the dials all come out and theres enough slack to take the speedo cable out and all the plugs in the back. Total nonsense or a possibility?

Stuart McB · Unread post by **Stuart McB** » 16 Feb 2004, 23:29

This is how I did it.
1) remove steering wheel shrouds.
2) remove 2 torx screws in top off facis panel. They are in side the panel upside down. This will allow removal of hazard switch etc.
3) remove the 2 scews in front of you one in each corner, and one in each top corner.
The dash should now be quite loose and there should be enough room to get you hand through from the passenger side to undo the speedo cable. I've got hands like shovles as I'm 6ft 6". once the cable is off you can either remove the dash wiring harness or leave connected as there should be engough free play in the wiring to do the job.
This is for an Avantage model TD.

rossnunn · Unread post by **rossnunn** » 18 Feb 2004, 20:14

Hi all,
LED's are a home made mod. Works fine, we can sell you a kit so you just swap the bulbs inc the screw fitting
R

Unread post by **martyhopkirk** » 19 Feb 2004, 03:19

I cheated with my ZX... bought a pair of high brightness blue led bulbs which wire into the cig lighter and come in little self adhesive angular pods (ebay sort of max power item, cost £3). stuck on dash to illuminate dials works a treat, used black insulation tape over wire, not very pretty, but quick, easy and cheap.
________
ZX Avantage 1.9D 126k and rising...