I recently purchased a used Acura 2002 CL type S. Everything is fine except for an issue with the dashboard. The light behind the panel which displays the current mileage and shows if a door, trunk or hood is open, is off. Also the light that displays which gear im driving in is also off.

At first, the lights would go off for a while, then mysteriously turn back on...but its been off for a while and im concerned. The dealership is asking about $100-200 to look at it.

I think its just a bulb or fuse, but im not sure. I would like to do it myself, but i have never made mods on any car myself. Im concerned because i want to know if its something serious or not. And its just plain annoying at night.

Help Please!!

 

Probably the bulb in the odometer is burnt out, and the gear panel light might be loose for whatever reason. Not really sure how that could happen in any manner of normal conditions, but I suppose it could have wiggled itself out it's terminals. It would be a PITA to take everything apart just for two little bulbs, but I know exactly how it feels to be bugged by small stuff like that. I deffinately would not pay the dealer any significant amount of money to fix this.

 

If i did want to take apart the dashboard in order to put the lights in myself...how do i do that?

 

pretty easy actually. i would see if someone can post the helm's manual pages on removing the dash. here is a quick rundown.

remove the 2 screws above the gauges on the underside of the top dash part. the plastic face around the gauges, vents, and AC controls snaps off. then unplug all AC controls and remove panel. after that there are 4 screws holding in the gauge pod to remove it. unplug all cables and pull it out. you should be able to unscrew the bulb from the back of the pod. there are holes in the back plastic that allow access. if you are unable to reach them the pod has tabs that hold on the plastic covers that can be pried off.

 

i have the same problem with my 01 cl-s ... i was tryin to get it fixed as well... let me know how you make out

 

Did you ever get this fixed? I have the same issue with my CL and I took everything apart and still could not find the problem.

 

i have a similar problem, but mine is the light for the clock.

anyone had this one and fixed it??

tony

 

^^^^... same here bro.. my clock has never worked since I bought the car. I didn't even notice it until I seen that my bro's TL's clock light was working. Hopefully someone would be able to help out with this situation. Pretty much on how to get to the back of it... (hopefully not going through the radio). Help would be appreciated. THanks!!!

 

Here's a pretty good set of instructions on how to remove the dash bezel:
http://www.ledautomotive.com/HowToGu...imateHowTo.asp
And while you're at it, might as well just convert everything to LEDs.

 

So heres the deal. Same thing is going on with my 02 type s. Took out the panel and changed all the bulbs. still didnt work. Dealer had my car for the tranny and told me what was needed to fix it. So its called the "Gauge illumination control module" the only thing is that I have no idea where it is and I cant find the part anywhere. Of course the dealer had the part and it costs $330. Thats crazy. I cant decide if Id rather keep driving with it not working. the dome light still works lol. Can someone/anyone possibly let us know where the hell this part is located and how to get one thats not $330????


randall

 

^^^
Not sure what "Gauge Illumination Module" your dealer is talking about. There is a dimmer switch which controls all the light in the dash, but I doubt that's what they're referring to. I believe there is a controller somewhere within the multiplexes (either driver or passenger), but I would assume the entire multiplex would need to be changed out if that's the case. Try and get the part number from them, because I'm curious to where this module is located as well.

 

Guys , I just checked the bulbs . Climate control , clock , etc and they are bad . The question is there any better quality , brither bulbs? Not leds im not interested in soldering and stuff like that ...just looking for swap .

 

I have the same problem and I'm pretty sure it's just bulbs that need to be replaced. If the LCD display works fine and it's just dim at night it has to be the bulbs

 

hey guys, i have a question

i got a problem that shows if the door, trunk is open or not

when my driver side door is open, it doesnt show if its open or not..but the thing is, all my other doors and trunks show if its open or not

also, i noticed that if i put the key in and turn it to II, all the lights come on and my driver side door light showed it being open and the door was open

so wat is the problem with the thing?