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Hey guys, I've read a couple threads about D5/D4 bulbs burning out. I installed some reverse glow gauges, and my D5 and 2/3 odometer bulbs burned out (coincidence?). I haven't really read any complete DIYs for changing the D5 bulb.
When I was installing the glow gauges, I also forgot to put in the 4 screws for the gauge cluster. I figured I would take care of both, so I attempted to change the D5 bulb. With some help from my.daily'tl', I successfully changed it. It wasn't that hard, but there's definitely potential of damaging the cluster if your not careful. If anyone still needs a DIY for changing it, I'll write one up and take pics. Maybe I'll just do a video?
Can someone test something for me? When your driving along in D5 and you shift into Sequential SportShift, does your D5 light in the cluster turn off? Mine stays on, and I could swear I remember it turning off when switching to the shift mode.
Also, is it supposed to be fairly difficult to shift into that mode? All my other cars do it seamlessly, but my Acura shift knob needs a solid jolt to the left.
i have a 99, so i only have a D4 light, but i can confirm that it does stay on when in sportshift. and i have to give the shifter a pretty solid thwack as well.
Can someone test something for me? When your driving along in D5 and you shift into Sequential SportShift, does your D5 light in the cluster turn off? Mine stays on, and I could swear I remember it turning off when switching to the shift mode.
Also, is it supposed to be fairly difficult to shift into that mode? All my other cars do it seamlessly, but my Acura shift knob needs a solid jolt to the left.
I'll check tonight. As for the "jolt" to the left, did you ever have your transmission replaced? If so, it is very possible they never readjusted the shifter. Iit may not be properly aligned with the gate and will take considerable force to go into sports shift position. Once in the right alignment, it should move quite easily.
Any updates on some pics of the D5 bulb change? Need to get it done for MD inspection, thanks.
I have the bulb, but was going to wait a few more weeks before I attempt it. I have the service manual and it looks straight forward.
I just have to figure out how to remove the top cover off the steering column without breaking it.
I have the bulb, but was going to wait a few more weeks before I attempt it. I have the service manual and it looks straight forward.
I just have to figure out how to remove the top cover off the steering column without breaking it.
If you have experience with the cluster, this replacement should be a cakewalk. Just disassemble the cluster as you normally would. When you get to the gauge faces, you need to remove them. Bend the metal tabs on the back side of the cluster up. That will allow the gauge faces (along with the needles) to fall out. Then, you will have to separate the front half of the gauge from the back half. There are two clips in the centerish part of the gauge. You will need to release them from the gauge. Now you will have a fully disassembled gauge with the D5 bulb right in front of you. Just count down from P, N, R, D5 from the top. Remove that bulb by pulling it straight up (away from the gauge). Do NOT twist it. The bulb should be dead/black. Here's my tip. Remove the D1 bulb, and put it in the D5 bulb spot. If you have a new bulb, put it in the D1 bulb spot. That way, you won't have to worry about a bad bulb. Also, the D1 bulb should be in great shape anyway. How often do you gate shift or tow stuff?
At the end of that guide, you will have your gauge faces off the cluster. Now all you need to do is remove the front half of the cluster from the back half. This is where the part with the two centerish clips come in to play.
Thanks a lot, that was very helpful. Do you happen to know where to get replacement bulbs for the gear selection or is the only option to buy a the LED kit?
^ You can buy the bulb from Honda. It's kind of a rip off for a single bulb (something like ~6 dollars).
I'd recommend just swapping the D1 bulb with the burnt D5 bulb. You're probably not going to be using D1 very often, so I don't think you would notice.
Change D5 bulb, TL 2001, could not remove the old bulb
Originally Posted by Karanx7
^ You can buy the bulb from Honda. It's kind of a rip off for a single bulb (something like ~6 dollars).
I'd recommend just swapping the D1 bulb with the burnt D5 bulb. You're probably not going to be using D1 very often, so I don't think you would notice.
Hi Kanranx7, I was be able to fully disassemble gauge with the row of gear bulbs in front of me, but I could not remove the bulb, any one of them. Each bulb is in the tiny cubical box. How did you take them out? I know this pretty old thread. Thanks for the help.
Take a picture so I know you are on the right layer of the cluster.
If you get directly to the bulbs, they just slide off and on.
Most likely you still need to remove the green PCB from the front white housing. To do that, just look at the back of the cluster (should just be a green PCB). You will see like 2-3 white tabs sticking out that will release the PCB from the front housing.
Take a picture so I know you are on the right layer of the cluster.
If you get directly to the bulbs, they just slide off and on.
Most likely you still need to remove the green PCB from the front white housing. To do that, just look at the back of the cluster (should just be a green PCB). You will see like 2-3 white tabs sticking out that will release the PCB from the front housing.
Wow!!! Thank you for your fast response. I thought this thread is retired like me.... I'll try to do it again today. I think I have to separate the outer back board (A) after removed the gauges' faces and needles (?) I missed this step, how silly I am...I'll post the results. Again many thanks.
I successfully removed the green PCB from the front white housing. The row of those bulbs are in front of me but I still can not figure out how to take a bulb out since I don't want to break it, is it soldered to the board? Does it have a socket like the others?
The bulbs are attached to the PCB by a rubber piece that just slides off two pins.
Just take a pair of pliers and gently pull them straight out. If they don't come out, you still have to remove something in front of them.
The pictures you loaded don't work for me, where did you upload them?
Thanks Karanx7. Finally I removed the D5 and replaced it withe bulb of D1. Since I did not buy a new bulb so I did not know what the bulb's form and fit should be, I assumed it's just like brake, stop or flash light, just insert it in the sockets... but this one is special, it has its base itself.
Again thank you, good work. I'm happy....
I'm new here...the pictures I just embedded/copy them into the message. Don't know other ways, sorry...
For anyone that stumbles across this thread looking for instructions to change the D5 light, here are some pictures I took today while replacing mine. You can see how the parts have to come apart and what the bulb looks like.
03-13-2011, 01:36 AM
