1969 Oldsmobile 98 dash light service

[6219_Rules]

I have several books on the large Oldsmobiles, including the 1972 Chiltons and the 1974 Motor Auto Repair manual, and I still cannot tell how to replace the dash lights. The lights in the A/C and Heater controls are out completely, and those on the clock and speedometer are dimming.

I was hoping this would be a simple replacement operation but there is no way my big hands will get into that tiny space. Any suggestions???

[rocketraider]

Randall, there's no specific dash lamp replacement instructions in the 69 CSM, but it looks like the easiest way may be to remove the instrument cluster since it comes out from the front. There's 8 #194 lamps in the cluster, and 1 #1895 in the heater control. The clock uses 2 #1816.

To do this, disconnect battery (-), then remove the pad and bezel assembly from around the instruments. CSM says remove 6 attaching screws and pull top of pad rearward slightly, then lift up and remove.

To remove the instrument cluster housing after removing the bezel:

1. Disconnect printed circuit connector.

2. Disconnect speedometer cable by depressing retaining spring and pulling away from cluster.

(These steps may be easier after you pull the cluster out from the dash slightly; if not, you'll have to go behind the dash and do it. A cruise control car will make the cable disconnect easy since you can disconnect it at the regulator and get some working room.)

3. Remove three screws attaching cluster housing to instrument panel and remove cluster.

Then you can replace all the lamps. I'd go for #168 bulbs as they are a little brighter than 194s. I don't know if you can get to the heater control lamp from the top with cluster out, but it couldn't be any worse than laying on your back under the dash.

While you've gone to all that trouble, why not pull the clock and have it serviced? Sometimes a shot of WD40 is all one needs to get it ticking again.

[6219_Rules]

Thank you, Rocketraider! You are marvelous! This is precisely what I needed. I knew there had to be a way to do it, and your advice on the clock is excellent too. I will do so and let you know how it came out. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

If you get a chance, check out the car at http://www.aaca.org/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=2125 [color:"blue"]