I pulled my gauge cluster today to install LEDs. Most didn't light up, so I pulled them out and flipped them around. Nothing. Tested the bulbs with a spare socket I had and hooked up to a 12v source, they're all fine. I got tired of messing with it and put the regular incandescent bulbs back. Only one of the lights come on.

All the dummy lights work, the gauges work fine, HVAC and door controls light up but the only gauge bulb that lights is the one for the speedometer. Pulled the dash light fuse, it's fine. Does anyone have any ideas what could be causing the issue? The incandescents came out -very- hard and I'm worried that I damaged the sockets.

 

I agree to what tibbys trying to say

 

Ah, I didn't see that in the other thread. I'll try that, thanks. Who's brilliant idea was it to make it necessary to replace the bulb and socket? I don't replace my headlight socket every time I blow a bulb.

 

Believe it or not this is just a GM issue(whats new right? lol). Ford's gauge cluster sockets were plug n play in the sense that you could pull the bulb out and replace the bulb without another socket.

GM likes to make things difficult and decided they would spot wield the bulb and socket. It is lightly spot wielded and by trying to get the connector/tab out, there is no easy way not to bend it. So your options if the original socket is broken is either goto the salvage yard and get some sockets off a ford, or go buy new 1/2 inch sockets. I just bit the bullet and bought new sockets knowing they would definitely work.

 

I ordered a set of new sockets from someone on eBay. Hopefully they will be here this week. I couldn't see spending the $2.99 each they wanted locally.

 

End result:



Pretty happy with how it looks. Very very bright. The blue kind of washes out the orange needles, and kind of makes them a pale orange/whitish color. Neat.

 

Verrrry nice. Looks sweet!

 

I like !

 

I found 2 kinds of sockets. Which one would I need? Buy Dorman - Help 2 - Instrument Panel, Lighting Sockets - 1/2" & 5/8" Diameter 40245 at Advance Auto Parts.


Buy Dorman - Help 2 - Instrument Panel, Lighting Sockets - 1/2" & 5/8" Diameter 40245 at Advance Auto Parts_____