1997 Avalon dash lights - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Ross_t · 04-10-2007, 08:58 AM

Hi, New Avalon owner here. Actually not so new Avalon (1997) that my mother donated to my teenage daughter. I did the front stut mounts and one front sway bar link last weekend and that tightened up the suspension feel considerably. I ordered rear sway bar links as those are quite loose as well.
Next, I need to replace a couple of instrument cluster lights. Does anyone have the removal procedure for this car? I see the normal two screws for the top of the cluster hood, but the bottom attachments seemed to be buried by other trim pieces?

Thanks

aigochamaloh · 04-10-2007, 09:08 PM

you need to take off the radio trim piece and the left hand side ac trim piece.

for the radio piece, it's easy if you stick a screwdriver in at the bottom and pry up. the left hand ac piece is easiest to remove by sticking a screwdriver at the side by the instrument cluster.

next, you remove the 3 screws that were visible before you took the trim pieces off, and then there should be three more on the black instrument cluster surround after you take of the trim pieces. after those are out, the black surround comes out, and you have access to the clusters 4 bolts.

Ross_t · 04-11-2007, 06:02 AM

Great, thanks. I'll try this out this weekend.

steve326a · 04-13-2007, 12:24 AM

I need to do some bulb changing in my cluster as well. What are the bulbs used? Are they the standard 194 type?

aigochamaloh · 04-13-2007, 12:43 AM

194 bulbs for the cluster, i believe 3 of them. the warning bulbs, gear selection bulbs, etc are 89's.

aigochamaloh · 04-13-2007, 12:47 AM

if you want a cool lexus like look, you might want to get some inverted leds. these are leds that don't have hotspots...

this is my cluster

steve326a · 04-13-2007, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aigochamaloh

if you want a cool lexus like look, you might want to get some inverted leds. these are leds that don't have hotspots...

Wow, looks good. I noticed something though. Is your gas tank full? If so, do you have the same problem as I do where the gauge never hits full but just above 3/4? Anyone else have that problem? Is it the gauge itself or the sending unit?

aigochamaloh · 04-13-2007, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve326a

Wow, looks good. I noticed something though. Is your gas tank full? If so, do you have the same problem as I do where the gauge never hits full but just above 3/4? Anyone else have that problem? Is it the gauge itself or the sending unit?

no my gas tank isn't full. you can see my trip meter, 88 miles since fill up...my meter goes all the way up when full...

i do have this problem in my mr2...it is the sending unit. it's probably easier to test this in the avalon. just pull up the backseats and take out the fuel pump, and access the sender. use a multimeter and check the resistances...

i've never done this to my mr2 since i would have to drop the fuel tank and that is no fun...i live with it

Kingdom934 · 04-13-2007, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aigochamaloh

if you want a cool lexus like look, you might want to get some inverted leds. these are leds that don't have hotspots...

this is my cluster

Wow...where did you get those inverted LEDs?

aigochamaloh · 04-13-2007, 02:07 AM

i just got some off of ebay. search 194 inverted white...

my gauge cluster has gone through many changes...

this was my cluster shortly after i bought my car. i was 16 at the time and was mod happy...unfortunately, it was very ricey...
i've toned down to the classy modifications now...

i actually also upgraded to hids, and they're nice. i made a thread today with pictures as well...
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t187913.html

toyosupra_87 · 04-13-2007, 06:26 AM

I got the same cluster the only problem(dislike) about them is:

1. its missing the high beam symbol
2. its missing the windshield washer symbol.

Than the rest I like.
my buddy bug me the guage is MPH and not KMPH.

I still

that cluster.

Interesting with LED ligths, might do that with my MKIV dash.

Steve, about the fuel gauge its almost the same problem. I fill up the tank and guage SLOWY moves and stay between 3/4 and full. I park it in the drive way and than the next morning when I head to work, turn on the car it goes up to full. Why is that? why so long? would it be a bad connection?

Ross_t · 04-13-2007, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aigochamaloh

if you want a cool lexus like look, you might want to get some inverted leds. these are leds that don't have hotspots...

nice look, I bought a pack of 194's for a fast fix. But might try this sometime.

aigochamaloh · 04-13-2007, 09:31 AM

i'm 20 now...

aigochamaloh · 04-13-2007, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross_t

nice look, I bought a pack of 194's for a fast fix. But might try this sometime.

good, so you were able to change them. i hope my instructions were clear enough...

Ross_t · 04-13-2007, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aigochamaloh

good, so you were able to change them. i hope my instructions were clear enough...

Hi, no I plan on doing them tomorrow, plus the rear sway bar links. Your instructions are just what I was looking for. I don't like prying on plastic trim panels without some knowledge of where to attack them! thanks again!