Finally took the time to replace mine, since it was burnt out - just a couple observations/questions:

1. The dashboard is one tough sucker...I was bending and warping it to get it out and back in but still looking pristine

2. Clock light is really lose back there...you can probably just give it a good wack and it'll pop out the back end

3. Does your clock light stay on without even turning on the lights? (thought the light would turn on only when I flip on the headlights). If so, what a dumb design because it'll burn out AND its a PITA to replace

All in all, pretty smooth, took about 15 minutes and I would rate myself extremely novice when it comes to cars(I just put in the key and go)

 

did you just replace the bulb with OEM or did you go with cooler LEDs? I really wanna fix my clock backlight as well, but im afraid that i would not put it back together properly and create those annoying rattling noises.

 

I went OEM since I was at the dealer earlier I thought, what the heck (Plus my wife was nagging the crap out of me about it)

So far, I don't hear any rattle noises. Just be as gentle as possible and make sure before you slip the dashboard back that all the connections you disconnected still work(Like the AC,Milage Reset, etc)

 

Quick question... how much were the OEM bulbs at the dealer? I have to replace mines as well... Thanks!

JustMe

 

5$ at the dealer

 

i try doing it myself , I took out the 2 screws but after that i couldnt figure how to loosen up the dashboard off

 

Hey Cocaine

Basically, you need some elbow grease. Use a screwdriver(phillips) and carefully pry loose the middle of the dashboard and then work your way left and right. There are 4 places where it clips on.

1. Middle of dashboard
2. Area where plastic/vinyl meet immediately to the left of the Sunroof/TCS controls
3. As you move right along the line where the vinyl and plastic meet there is one right above the central air vent
4. Right above the CD holder there are 2 tabs to pry


Its easier if you remove the cd holder and then pry under the cover where the 2 pieces meet. Also for the area around TCS and Sunroof controls, you have to pry to the "left" of those controls where the vinyl and the plastic meet. Try to be gentle or you'll scratch up part of the plastic(I put a nick right under the central vent as the screwdriver got loose)

 

my dealer told me $8.50

 

damn a pictorial DIY would be great

 

takin off the dash is easy, nothing to worry bout if u doin leds on the clock or dash.

 

same here...my dealer told me CAD 9.90

 

ahh gotta love having the clock on the navi

 

Yeah, I didn't realize the clock was always on until it got replaced on Friday. Poor design.

Anyhow, I brought my car in for an oil change and to have that bulb replaced this past Friday. The service guy told me it was going to be $52 to replace the bulb. When I asked why so much, he said they had to take off the entire dash to get to the bulb and it would take 1 hour and he was charging me half the mechanics rate of $92/hour and the bulb was $6. I told him to go ahead and do it cause I tired of looking at my cell phone to see what time it was.

When they came to get me he said he called his district manager and got the okay to change the bulb for free since I always go to that dealership to get all maintenance done. That was nice of them I guess.

 

I've been quoted $96 at the Acura dealer to replace the light. No thanks!

I always tell people to refer to my DIY for the silver gauges to remove the dash/blub, save all that $

btw my light has been burned out for a few months now... probably going to buy a blue/white led package when I feel brave enough to solder them.

 

I cant believe my so call bumper to bumper extended warranty doesnt cover that freaking light

 

1 hour to take it off? Crazy. It only took me all of 15 minutes...and I'm just a novice...definitely something you can take care of yourself.

 

Umcming thanx bro it was easy to removed the dash and just as easy to snap it back in place , I just didnt anticipate the light being inside that retangular box with 3 screws lol

 

Sweet - Cocaine. Glad you were able to get it done and save yourself some $$ .

I know pictures would have been nice but I only had 15 minutes before I had to leave for work I wanted to make sure that I wouldn't be cruising down the highway with my dash danging in my lap...

 

Where can I get a nice led light for it. Also, what is the part number i'm looking for in my local radio shack or autopart?