XJ11 instrument cluster light replacement

[KA1J]

Last night the one remaining tach light went out and I also can't see the LCD display in the dark, so either it was getting it's back light from the tach bulb that died or there's a dedicated bulb for the LCD that also died.

I need to get in there and replace the bulbs. I haven't been into the cluster before and wonder if there's any caveats I should know about or if there's any helpful advice to it? It looks like I have to remove the headlight to have access to the bolts holding the cluster on & to get to the screws on the back that hold the cluster together.

Thanks

[Jamie]

Instrument cluster lights

Not a big deal at all. Recently, I went in and replaced all with LED's and made a huge difference. Let me know if I can help.
Jamie

[KA1J]

Hi Jamie,

What kind of LED did you choose? white or colored? One person suggested red as he went to as it was less bothersome at night but I didn't too much care for the redness I saw in the photograph.

[Jerry]

I have not been in mine for a bit, but recall it was not to bad.

I did not have to remove the headlight. Couple nuts that go through rubber isolators, speedo cable, and a couple sets of wire loom connectors and the cluster comes off. I used a 1/4 inch socket set to remove the nuts, moved up to ratcheting end wrenches (GearWrench) which makes the job easier. There is a back-side plastic cover that comes off with a couple screws. Memorize or take a photo of how the cables are tucked into the shell, it will help you put the back cover back on.

Once the cover is off it is easy to replace the stock bulbs. Then put everything back together.

Really, this is not hard and there are no "gatchas" if you remember where / how the wires are tucked into the shell. If you don't, it will take a few trial-and-error tries to figure it out.