AU3 Odometer Display

[pikey]

Hi, I have recently purchased a 2002 AU3 Falcon Forte and there is no backlight for the odometer. Is this correct? I don't think it is as i can't see the ODO or the DTE display at night. if not can i change a bulb or do something to get a back light. I am a PE teacher who has some knowledge of car electronics, but this is limited, no would love the "change a bulb for dummies!" way to do this if i need to. I would like any help possible please, i am trying to do things myself to save cash, and would like to learn more about automotive electronics.

Thank you for your help.

[StealthAu]

check your fuses you might be lucky, but more then likely you'll need to replace the lamps in the cluster and to do so I think you'd have to remove it

[pikey]

Thanks stockoau, i will check in the morning, but if i do have to remove (sorry to sound like such a green thumb) but is this a difficult option or would it be best to just leave it?? If it is easy, what do i have to do? I would like to be able to see the ODO. Thanks again.

[StealthAu]

I havn't removed one out of an AU yet, but have in alot of other cars. It's not a hard job, just time consuming

[howesy]

Comes out in less than 2 minutes from opening the car door if your prepared.

[StealthAu]

Originally Posted by howesy

Comes out in less than 2 minutes from opening the car door if your prepared.

If you've never removed 1 before and manage to pull it out in less then 2 minutes then I think you'd be doing well.

[pikey]

Thanks all, but to ask another crazy question, what do you pull out and how do you pull it out. Sorry to ask this, but i have never done it before - is it simply unscrewing the screws near the steering wheel or is it more complicated than this. I will have to be my shout for all these questions, but i do appeciate your expert help.

[mattp]

If you look at the cluster there's two little plastic covers at the top just above the perspex, these pop out, then there's 2 phillips head screws to be undone. After that you can stick an allen key in each hole and pull the cluster out. Once you get it out you'll need to reach behind it and pull the plugs out of it before you can completely remove it from the dash. If you're having trouble getting it out you can take off the fuse box cover and stick a long handled screwdriver in there (I stick the handle end in, it's blunter), and lever it out from behind. Good luck, it's not too hard, just take it easy to prevent tearing your dash vinyl or anything silly like that.

[Jastel]

After you remove the cluster you will see the bulbs on the back
The odometer has 2 bulbs to light it actually
The larger grey ones along the top are for the general backlight illumination of all the dials and the smaller (green I think) ones are for the odometer and warning lights
While you have it out check them all, if you can't remember whether they are out or not test them with a meter, use a pair of long nose pliers for the large ones and a screwdriver for the small ones, give them a half turn and pull them out.
Also adjusting the steering wheel down and out makes it easier

[Mechan1k]

Originally Posted by mattp

If you look at the cluster there's two little plastic covers at the top just above the perspex, these pop out, then there's 2 phillips head screws to be undone. After that you can stick an allen key in each hole and pull the cluster out. Once you get it out you'll need to reach behind it and pull the plugs out of it before you can completely remove it from the dash. If you're having trouble getting it out you can take off the fuse box cover and stick a long handled screwdriver in there (I stick the handle end in, it's blunter), and lever it out from behind. Good luck, it's not too hard, just take it easy to prevent tearing your dash vinyl or anything silly like that.

The best and easiest way to remove it.


First time it took me a little bit to figure out ... but after you have done it once ... it only take a couple of minutes.

Jastel's info is good as well ... and the globes can only be purchased with the little holders as well ... from memory. I bought the globes with new screw-in holders all in one last time I did mine.

[FGII-XR6]

dead easy remove the cluster (takes all of 5 min) and you will see 2 black flat lamp holders you will need a thin screwdriver to remove thes buy 2 replacements from for reinstall. Bob's your uncle

[MYEBII]

bobs not my uncle??? :

[Mechan1k]

Originally Posted by MYAU

bobs not my uncle??? :

He's your Aunty!

[MYEBII]

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

He's your Aunty!

lol lol lol

[JC]

Originally Posted by pikey

Hi, I have recently purchased a 2002 AU3 Falcon Forte and there is no backlight for the odometer. Is this correct? I don't think it is as i can't see the ODO or the DTE display at night. if not can i change a bulb or do something to get a back light. I am a PE teacher who has some knowledge of car electronics, but this is limited, no would love the "change a bulb for dummies!" way to do this if i need to. I would like any help possible please, i am trying to do things myself to save cash, and would like to learn more about automotive electronics.

Thank you for your help.

Though removing the cluster is not on here yet (it's coming), there are afew tech articles that you might like on AUFalcon . com:

http://www.aufalcon.com/cgi-bin/inde...chnical%20Docs

[pikey]

Hi all, thanks for your posts. I tried to do this today, and got to nervous afer teh pastic tags on the plastic creen over the display broke off - can you get these displays cheaply easily - it fits fine but for later maybe??? I will try again later, but i am worried, i need to use more firce hitting it from behind i think, i was a bit of a skirt when tapping it from behind.

Thank you all for your help, i really appreciate it. I think however i am a PE teacher and not a true handyman, i need to work on this!!!

Thanks again

[Umineko]

Hiya I doubt seriously that you can by the clear cover seperately, check with wreckers though as the instrument clusters are not that rare and could most likely be had for less than $100, extreme care is needed when removing these things to make sure you dont pull only on the plasic cover, if you go a bit deeper into the hole as you pull it out it will place the force on the fascia and not the clear lens. take it slow and easy... have done a fair few of these so if you need to PM me and I'll give you my Ph number and talk you through it