mola

Hi all,

My 1998 Acura - TL 3.2 Drive (D4) light went out on me.
I removed the 2 screws on the top side of the dash however I couldn't pull the dash apart to get to the bulb.

I purchased a replacement bulb for $5 .

Anyone have any helpful tips on removing the dash to get to the D4 light?


Thanks
Mola

Acura - TL 1998 3.2

unx979

do you have the helm manual? there are actually four screws holding the guage assembly in. there's the two on the top and then two more on either side. then you can pry the gauge assembly out and disconnect the connectors. the bulbs are 1.12 watts and should be the fourth one down. hope that helps.

mola

Thanks for the info however I can not locate the other 2 screws on the sides.
The center vents seems to be connected to the dash cover.

The vents seems to just pop out but I was afraid something would break if I pulled it too hard.
The bottom part of the dash area wouldn't budge.

I've removed the 2 screws at the top or under the top of the dash.

What is a helm manual?

Thanks

unx979

the helm manual is basically a service manual for our car. it has EVERYTHING you need to take the car apart and put it back together. basically if i wanted to steal your car, i can do it with the info in these manuals. well these manuals are what the acura mechanics use to do problem solving and taking the car apart. i have yet to take out my gauge console, but it did state that there are four screws that you must take out. i'm not exactly sure where they are cause i haven't looked at the car yet. i'll look at it tomorrow, gotta get some sleep:p

mola

IC,


That's good to know.

I purchased one of those for my other car from Central Lettershop. It came on a CD for windows. $150 it cost me and well worth the use.

Where could one purchase a helm manual and how much would it run? I wouldn't mind having one for my self.



Thanks for all your help
]M

96TL

You're right about the 2 screws on top under the dashboard lip that goes over the guages. There on 2 more on each side of the steering wheel. Just lower the wheel all the way down and there are rubber flaps covering the screws. Once you get those out the whole piece just pulls out. Don't be afraid to pull it but be gentle. Once you have that out there are 4 screws around the cluster. Be careful when you take it out because the plastic over the guages scratches easily. You can put some masking tape over it to be safe. Also, be careful to not scratch the steering wheel column cover. You can tape that up also. The cluster barely fits through the hole so you have to manuever it a little bit. Be patient. You can probably change the bulb without taking the whole cluster out. Just try to flip it down. The bulbs just twists out. Good luck.

unx979

you can buy the service manual at www.helminc.com

mola

Thanks unx979 and 96TL !


I replaced the D4 bulbs which took about 30 minutes.


For anyone else that needs to replace the D4 light, here's couple of items to keep in mind.


1) There are 4 screws to pull the dash out to get to the instruments.
- a) 2 screws on top of the dash, just under the upper lip
- b) adjust the steering to the down position
- c) lift the plastic/rubber flaps between the dash and steering base
- d) remove 2 screws from each side
- e) use a screw driver to pry under the Center vents and gently pull out. Do the same for the driver vent and the rest of the dash will follow
- f) pull the wires for the Hazard and clock off. then remove the dash and put aside.
- NOTE: This instruction is from 96TL above and accurate.

2) There are 4 more screws on the instrument it self
- a) 2 screws on top of the dash, just under the upper lip. These screws are not visible until step 1 is out of the way
- b) 2 screws on each side
- c) slide the dash toward you then tip it over toward you then turn it sideways.
- I did not pull the entire dash out or remove any wires from it. I just pulled it forward then turned it sideways enough for me to get to the back of the dash and twist the D4 light out.
D4 light was the 4th one down or 4th one up since it's in the center.
- NOTE: This tip came from unx979 above



Tools needed : 1 short phillips screw driver and long
1 flat head screw driver to pry the vents and dash.
1 Beer
Parts needed : HONDA Genuine parts 37103-ST7-003

Cost : $5.00 for the part/bulb

Total time was 30 minutes



Thanks unx979 and 96TL for the help!

]Mola
98-TL

96TL

No problem mola. Just post whenever you need help!

dbox

well! i think i will have to do mine now. thnx alot sounds simple enuff 4 me

BobbysTL

Same here and maybe I will take some pics as well so that way people can see exactly what they will be looking at!