Install: Dash Mod

DailyDrivenTJ.com · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 6:00 am Post subject:

Introduction

Well, bored with my Jeep, I decided do something with the interior. I came across a lighting mod from one of the Jeep forums and decided to do it myself. Even though this mod was very easy to do, there was not much of an instruction per se. So while I am at it, I decided to write this up for those people who are too careful with the mod they engage in.

To add to that, I found this brushed aluminum face plate for the instrument cluster. It was real brushed aluminum, not one of the fake stickers.

Tools and Parts Needed

Tri-Power 3 LED Bulb #74, QTY. 5 @ 3.99 each from Autoillumination.com
Brushed Aluminum Dash Bezel www.CustomBezels.com
Phillips Head, Flat head Screwdriver
Torx

Job Hours
<20 Minutes

Procedure

<Aluminum Bezel>
1. We need to pull the instrument cluster from the dash. Locate these two torx screws on the kick panel on the driverside.

2. Carefully remove the plastic kick panel, moving the steering wheel in the up position helps with the removal. Watch out for the light switch. This will get you access to the two screws that are holding the dash bezel on the bottom.

3. Remove the top dash cover by prying it out using a flat head screwdriver.

4. Once the top dash cover is removed, remove the 3 screws holding the dash bezel. Remove the bezel.

5. You can see 4 screws holding the instrument cluster, remove the screws and you can just pull out the cluster. Be careful not to scratch the clear plastic.

6. Take the cluster to somewhere it won't get scratched up, remove the clear plastic by pushing in the tabs as shown below. Try not to touch the inside of the clear plastic since you cannot clean the inside once everything is bolted up. Also try not to mess with the gauge needles. They are very sensitive. You blowing air on it has enough force to move it up and down.

7. Once the clear plastic is remove, remove the visor.

8. This is what it looks like once the visor is removed. Mock fit the aluminum trim.

Another Shot,

9. Once at the desired position, tape it down with the supplied tape. The tape is very very sticky. You are warned. No, it is not double sided tape.

10. Now reverse the removal procedure for the visor and the clear plastic and reinstall them back on the dash. Care not to scratch the clear plastic!

<LED Replacement>
12. On the back side of the instrument cluster, locate the bulb base that are used for the back lighting. They located as shown.

This what the LED bulb looks like. They are quite small. These consume much less electricity and generates much less heat.

13. The bulb base is twist type. The base is NOT SCREWED in. Just twist it about 30-60 degrees counter clockwise and the base will disengage from the cluster. DO NOT FORCE IT! This is how it looks once removed. Pull the old bub out and replace it with the LED. Even though the LED has distinct polarity on it, it is not clearly marked on the bulb itself. If the polarity is not matched up correctly, it will simply not light up. I will show you how to deal with this problem in the subsequent procedure.

14. Put the light assembly back into the cluster. Repeat step 13 for all the indicated back lights as shown in the step 12.

15. Mock fit the completed instrument panel and turn on the light and see everything lights up.

16. The left side of the cluster did not light up. This means I got the bulbs polarity wrong. Take the light out along with the base and rotate the whole base 180 degrees and reinsert it. You just reverse the polarity. Now it works like a champ!

17. Reverse the tear down procedure and you are DONE! Enjoy the new look!

Comparison

Before
Low Setting ______________________ High Setting

After
Low Setting ______________________ High Setting

The LED INDEED dims a little but it is not as noticeable on the picture as in real life. It also seems very very bright in the picture, but it is ever so slightly brighter than the stock, IMO.

Disclaimer

I tried my best to document as much as possible along with pictures. I hope you find them useful. However, do use the information provided here "as-is". DailyDrivenTJ.com or the author does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, or process disclosed. Use the information at your own risk.