Instrument Panel Lighting?

[billbasket]

Anybody found a way to change a burned out light for the clock on the insrument panel? Can't see what time it is.

2002 Subaru Outback L.L.Bean

[ShawnW]

Last time I checked there isnt a bulb you can just unplug and replace and subaru doesnt offer a separate part I believe you buy the whole tach or speedo depending on which side that one has the clock in it.

[billbasket]

Subaru Strikes again. If that's true, it is incredibly stupid for a manufacturer to not provide and easy inexpensive method of replacing a light bulb or LED. I have run into this before though. The lights on my Fog Light Button of which are two. One to indicate that it is on or off and one to show it's position on the dashboard (running light). The running light went out and a night it is hard to distinguish where it is. I went to the local dealership after finding the replaceable bulb. I was told that a new switch needs to be purchased for $25,

I went to Radio Shack and purchased 2-of the bulbs for a couple $. I forwarded the information to Subaru District Mgr. along with my disapproval of their recommeded repair. He responded with that he was happy I was able to get the repair to my satisfaction. (NO THANKS TO HIM). I guess I will have to figure out how to remove the dash panel and see what's there.

[billbasket]

All is well again. Instructions to follow on how to replace an Instrument Panel Light Bulb.

 

2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean H6 3.0

Pinch the bezel encircling the shifter stick and pull up. It should pop upwards.

Remove and set aside.

Remove Ashtray, set aside.

Remove 2-phillips head screws from the Ashtray bracket. Screws are hard to get at, one each side of the bracket which screw up into the cubby for tapes etc. Don't lose them, it's easy to do.

Remove the 2-screws from the bin below the ashtray and in front of the shifter. Pinch the bin and remove and set aside.

Remove bezel around radio, heater controls by gently working it away from the console. There is a wiring harness for the lighter and light. 2- plugs are easily pulled off. The bezel is one-piece, (no screws) and set aside.

Remove the matching button panel on the left side of the steering wheel by access through coin holder near hood release. Coin holder can be opened and pulled out. Put your hand in the hole reaching upwards to push out the button panel. Leave it dangle by the wires.

Remove bezel which encircles the insturment cluster and air vents. One piece black plastic on mine. 2-screws secure it at bottom near insturment cluster, there is the Emergency Flasher Switch to deal with. There is a wire harness and removable plug which is easy to break. Carefully depress the locking tab and wiggle the plug away from the switch, remove and set aside the bezel. It's tight you must lower the adjustable steering wheel.

Remove insturment cluster, 5-screws, 3-up top, 2-down bottom. Carefully pull it out minding the wiring connected at the top. No need to remove it, tip it so you can see the light bulbs. They twist lock and are replaceable at the Subaru Dealer. Call first they may not have them in stock.

Part #=85066GA110 BULB SOCKET 1.4watt. I saw 2-on the cluster one for the clock and 1 for the odometer. $9 for one.

Ouch!!!

Doing this yourself I can imagine will save you at least over $100 in labor. It took about 45-minutes to get in there and 30 minutes to put it all back.

I put it all back in reverse order. Be sure to test you work before reintalling everything. Have a dish or cup for the screws and try to remember which one goes where. They are all different lengths.