Dash cluster light replacement....

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OK, Yesterday my "4X4" light in the dash stopped working. Hopefully it is just the light bulb. Anyone have any tips on replacing the dash lights? I have never had my dash apart so I'm not even sure you can get to them... . any help would be appreciated. (Just a little rammin fun, I pulled 2 chebbies out yesterday in all the snow up here in the northeast snow storm... he he he) Thanks guys...
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99 Quad Cab short box, 4X4, 6 speed, 28K miles.

 

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Never took one off my Dodge but have done others. I believe that the Dodge has screws the hold the instrument panel in(some pop out). There will be a few wires and speedometer(wire not cable) to disconnect. On the newer models since the 80's they also have a solid state board to remove, but than again you mite be able to get to bulbs with out removing this or any wires. There have been times I would have to drop steering wheel also.
Don't have my manual at hand so can't tell you exact procedures. You also have the digital dash this could change a few things around behind there(like no speedometer cable or I don't think you would have one).

I think you would need to deactivate air bag system also. That is done by disconnecting battery cables.
Maybe you get lucky and a member with dodge service manual for 99 will respond.
I'll get my manual tommorow to check out deactivating air bag system.
Happy New Year.

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Bill Thomas
Missouri Mule - 96 Wht 4X4 ST CC,5 spd, 3. 54, 8 ft bed, 1 ft high cheater boards.
99 Freightliner bl/wht FL60 ISB-5. 9 24v,215 hp,520 tq,6 spd, 3. 59 nsr,16 ft box, 19. 5 tires,Wt/gvw 11,000/23000

 

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I wouldn't think you would have to go through all that to change a light bulb. But then again, I don't think like DC.

Try testing the bulb first. Start with the ignition off, press and hold the trip odometer reset button while turning on the ignition, continue depressing the button until the test sequence starts.

This will test all the instrument lights, gauges and chimes led readout, etc. Takes about 10 seconds. Kinda cool actually.

If the bulb works, then I'd say something fishy with the 4x4.



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99' Qcab, 4x4, auto, chrome nerf bars, VA, Boost elbow, DiProcal Pillar mount gauges,

 

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Cool, I'll have to give this test sequence thing a try, I hope I didn't screw up the 4-wheel drive system, I was using it pretty hard on Saturday. But even after the light went out, 4-wheel drive still worked ok in 4 HI & in 4 LOW... I'm Off to try the light test... Thanks !!!

 

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Missouri Mule may be about right. On my Pontiac it is similar. You remove a few screws, drop the wheel down, and the whole thing pulls out as a unit. There is no way to replace any bulbs with it in the dash. Pretty simple once you do it once, but at first I thought it kind of extreme to just replace a bulb. On the GM all wiring is jacked, no wires to remove. The Dodge may be different, a service manual would tell you. I would have fought the GM a long time without the manual.

Happy New Year

Shelby

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2001. 5 2500 QC LB 4WD, ETH, DEE, 3. 54 gears, Laramie SLT, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, Travel Convenience Group, Power Driver Seat, Alarm System, Remote Keyless Entry, Fog Lamps, Cab Clearance Lamps, HD Transfer Case, Bright White with a Gray Interior. Built 09-15-00, took delivery on 10-06-00, 1749 miles as of 11-25-00. Custom aluminum work body / flat bed. Coming soon: E-Brake and gauges.

 

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Well, I went through the test sequence and the light still didn't come on, looks like I'll be tearing out the dash next weekend. Thanks for the tips guys. Merry New Year to all.

 

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You have to take the cluster out, but this is easy to do. I have done it a couple of times.

First, you must remove the instrument cluster bezzel. On 99&up models, just pry it off with your fingers. It just snaps off. Same deal with the 98 except that there is one screw to remove in the corner of the power outlet under the cover. Once the bezel is off, adjust the steering wheel all the way down. Then take the four screws out that hold the cluster in to the dash. Make sure to get the ones that hold the whole cluster in. Once the screws are out, gently pull the cluster toward you to disengage the two wiring plugs from the back of it. Once it is free, rotate the bottom of the cluster up slighly as you slide it out and the cluster comes right out. Most bulbs can be seen along the bottom back of the cluster. To get to some of the bulbs, you may need to take the back cover off(six screws I think). To get a bulb out, turn it counterclockwise until you feel it disengage, then pull it out. That is it.

As for reassmbly, the two wiring plugs are secured to the dash, but they float some. When you put the cluster back in, they will plug back in to the cluster.

Like I said, this is easy to do and might take 15-20 minutes. Hope this helps.

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Paul G: Secretary SETDR
99' 2500 SLT QC LB 4x4 5spd

Visit the Southeastern Turbo Diesel Registry(SETDR)

 

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Rattlebox, TradedV-10foraCummins seems to be right on. The manual does suggest removing negative battery cable(s).

 

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On the topic of replacing dash lights - the ligt on my headlight switch is out. Is the procedure to change this the same as stated above? Thanks in advance.

Craig

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2000, 2500,QC,4x4,white,tow,leather,6 spd,4. 10, 4" exhaust - turbo back, K&N, Balls of steel hitch, line-x bedliner, Autometer Ultralite pyro and boost, Mag Hytec on Dana 80... wouldn't dare add anything to void that good ole DC warranty!

 

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back to the top about my question


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2000, 2500,QC,4x4,white,tow,leather,6 spd,4. 10, 4" exhaust - turbo back, K&N, Balls of steel hitch, line-x bedliner, Autometer Ultralite pyro and boost, Mag Hytec on Dana 80... wouldn't dare add anything to void that good ole DC warranty!