I need help with changing instrument panel bulbs

[Avalon_Owner]

Hello,

I am new to the forum and I need some help with changing the instrument panel bulbs on my 1998 Avalon XLS. The bulb for temp and rpm gauge are out and I cant really either of these gauges. I searched the web, but cant really find a "how to" on this topic.
I dont really know how to get to the bulbs on the panel. I removed the front 3 screws but seems like there is more to it before I can remove the top cover and be able to see the bulbs...

I would appreciate any help I can get.


Thanks much.

[parimento1]

its not too hard, I did it last week. First take off the bezel that surrounds the radio and you will see the last few screws that hold in the plastic shroud for the instrument panel. Then remove the three screws on top of the instrument panel. Also you have to remove the piece on the drivers side that houses the mirror adjustment,it just pulls out, there you will find the final few screws that you have to remove. then pop out the instrument panel shroud thing, it is only held in with clips that just pop out. the instrument cluster itself is held in by 4 screws, just remove them, remove the wiring harnesses and it just pulls right out. flip the instrument cluster around and on the back u will see plugs, just twist them, pull it out and replace the bulb. It is relatively straightforward and shouldnt take much more than 20 mins. just be careful not to drop the screws into the dash, or u will never find it again!

[Avalon_Owner]

parimento1,

Pardon my ignorance, but how would I take off the bezel surrounding the radio? Is it held by screws? Do you recall how many screws you had to remove in total?

Thanks for your help

[parimento1]

the radio bezel just pops right off its held in with clips, just pry it off on the bottom and then pull it out. remember to disconnect the wiring harness for the hazard light switch as u remove the bezel. If i remeber right, in total there were about 10 screws total that u have to remove. It might be a little bit hard to squeeze out the large black instrument panel surround that has the 3 screws in it at the top, u have to squeeze it a good amount at 12 and 6 o' clock to get it to slide out. other than its an easy job that requires only a screw driver. I wouldnt hesitate to try it if i were you.

[Avalon_Owner]

Parimento1, Thank you so much for all your help! I was able to change the bulbs...it took me more than an hour coz this was my first time... I probably wouldn't have been able to do it without your help.

[parimento1]

Originally Posted by Avalon_Owner

Parimento1, Thank you so much for all your help! I was able to change the bulbs...it took me more than an hour coz this was my first time... I probably wouldn't have been able to do it without your help.

glad to hear it!

[Bossco]

Does this instruction also apply to 1999 Avalon? I have the same bulbs burned out. I was able to replace one by reaching behind the dash; however, the other bulb is too difficult to remove and replace.

Thank you.

[omairtheman1]

yah does it?

[Kyle_Mains]

If your already in there might as well replace them with LEDs, for 20 bucks you can change the look of your instrument panel entirely.

[AlbertoJG]

Hi Kyle:
Could you post which are the LED part numbers to replace the 98 Avalon cluster light bulbs?
Thanks
Alberto

[ottogaus]

I am interested in part numbers as well along with a source for the bulbs so am subscribing to this thread. Thanks in advance for any info.

[Chunkywolf]

Here's an old thread about changing out the dashboard lamps with LEDs. All you need to know should be in there.

Dashboard Lighting