QuestionI own a 2002 PT Cruiser Touring car since new. Recently,some of the lights on my instrument panel went out and can't see the speedometer and the center panel RPM. This is very dangerous when driving at night. I found two sources for PC74 light bulbs and would like to replace them myself but I can't figure out how to remove the instrument panel parts and in what order to get to where I need to replace the bulbs. I've been told I need 6, then told 11 or 13 bulbs @ $2.89 each. I should like to replace all the PC74's so do you know just how many there are? Do you have any suggestions on how to remove the instrument panel so I can change the bulbs?
AnswerREMOVAL
CAUTION: DO NOT turn cluster upside down for longer than 30 minutes (preferably NEVER). This can result in dampening fluid within the gauge pointer assembly to leak causing permanent damage to the instrument cluster gauges.
DO NOT expose the instrument cluster to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Any overexposure to direct sunlight permanently warps the internal mask of the instrument cluster, causing the pointers to stick. It is acceptable to store the instrument cluster on the floor of the vehicle, gauges facing up, out of direct sunlight.
DO NOT do an electrical “HOT SWAP” when replacing or testing clusters. Ensure that the ignition is OFF with the M1 fuse removed, or the battery negative cable is disconnected. Partial mating of the cluster connector circuits can damage and/or destroy the cluster microprocessor if power is available.
DO NOT swap clusters between vehicles. The instrument cluster has learned information stored in its microprocessor for Airbags, Anti-Lock Brakes, Cruise, and Smart Key Immobilizer. Swapping clusters between cars, may result in the improper illumination of cluster indicators associated with the above features.
Open hood.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Remove the instrument cluster bezel. Refer to Body, Instrument Panel, Instrument Cluster Bezel, Removal.
Remove four screws to the instrument cluster (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER) and pull straight back to release off of self-docking connectors (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REMOVE/INSTALL).
REMOVAL
Open hood.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable (DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE).
Remove the instrument panel top cover. Refer to Removal and Installation, Instrument Panel Top Cover in this section.
Remove the left lower instrument panel bezel. Refer to Removal and Installation, Left Lower Instrument Panel Bezel in this section.
Remove the left instrument panel end cap. Refer to Removal and Installation, Instrument Panel End Cap in this section.
Grab the sides of the instrument cluster bezel and gently give a quick pull to unsnap the cluster bezel (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BEZEL).
Disconnect the turn signal lamps from the instrument cluster bezel (TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR LAMPS).
Remove bezel from vehicle.
If replacing the instrument cluster bezel, the A/C outlet housing assembly must be transferred to the new bezel. Refer to Removal and Installation, A/C Outlet Housing Assembly in this section.
