I am shocked!

A light bulb that illuminates the odometer and outside temp in my 2000 3.2TL went out, and the dealer told me it would cost $200 to fix!

I am okay with mechanical aptitude, but would it be realistic to think I could replace it myself? Any special tools? Is it possible that it is a fuse....the dealer said if the fuse blew, the entire instrument panel would not illuminate and the speedometer stuff still illuminates.

any replies are appreciated.

 

What's your current milage? Did you check all the fuse?
Maybe you should take your car to different dealership.

 

current mileage is 72500 which puts me out of warranty, i think. the dealership said that it could not be a fuse, since some of the instrument panel is illuminated.......they said one fuse powers the entire panel....do you agree?

 

I would think that since it deals with the odometer, law would require the manufacturer to fix it for free. I would check into it.

And I hear opening up the dashboard is a major pain, and only means shakes and rattles down the road. I'd have the dealership do it before I tried myself.

 

PaulGeis, too bad you live in Houston, TX. I can open it up and fix it for you for a LOT less cheaper than the dealership.

The dealership is correct, it is not a fuse since some of the instruments light up. It is a blown bulb, you need to get it replaced with an OEM bulb unit, should be like $5 for 5 or something like that, very cheap.




-Steve

 

no your not opening up the odometer, its just 3 bulbs for the odo and temp gauge. its a easy fix. there are just 2 screws that hold the plastic cover for the instrument gauges, then it just pulls straight out (pull hard) then there are 4 screws that holds the gauges in, make sure the key is in the off position and unplug the wires on the back. once out you will see the bulbs for the odo and temp. unscrew and replace

 

Yea.... my D4 light has never come on... and I've always thought about replacing it... but I'm not sure, I think I kind of like it off!!