Hi all,
I have a 2001 Grand Voyager LX 2.5 diesel (in UK)l. The handbrake/brake warning light does not illuminate at all, the ABS warning light also does not light. Could it be that the bulbs have blown or are they illuminated by led/fibre optic? Either way, can they be renewed or is it a whole new instrument cluster needed?
Similarly, only half the climate controls illuminate - the left hand side lights up correctly, the right hand side does not. Same questions really, is it just a bulb replacement?
Many thanks for any advice

Regards
Keith

 

Keith

Can't help with the handbrake light, but I have changed the centre console lights (heater, fan, aircon etc) on my 2005 2.8CRD, about 18 months ago, still working (wish I hadn't said that!). The bulbs are on 2 circuit boards with about 5 bulbs on each board. I think they are the same as a 2001. If you want to try this is what I did.

Remove the 2 plastic plugs at the top of the centre console, followed by the 2 screws.
Then pull the console forward, I think you start at the top. Remove the wiring plugs so you can retrieve the center console.

The 2 circuit boards are on the back of the console (where the bulbs shine thru to the other side and illuminate the icons) I think under plastic covers, remove the covers and circuit boards ( small Torx head screws). You will see about 5 bulbs on each board (some have coloured plastic tubing around the glass) , in little plastic holders, I couldn't find a way of removing the bulb from the holder, so I replaced the bulb and holder with a new bulb.

To remove the old bulb/holder, warm up the soldering iron (I used a 12 watt iron with a pointed tip, I wouldn't use an iron any bigger than this, very little heat is required) apply a little tension to one of the pins by gently pushing the bulb sideways, just touch the soldering iron to the leg underneath the board and that pin should come free. Repeat for the other pin. The 2 holes in the board need be clear and free enough of solder to be able to insert the ins of the new bulb.

To install new bulb. Cut one pin a little shorter and insert both pins into the board, until the bulb is at the right height (having one pin longer than the other makes this a lot easier to do). Touch the tip of the soldering iron to the pin where it protrudes through the board underneath, there should be just enough solder left to do this. Cut the excess pin off close to the board, make sure the waste pin doesn't end up stuck to the board somewhere and cause a short.

Although the bulbs are no longer in a holder, I didn't use any additional support, they are very light, I suppose vibration could knock them out. Time will tell.

The bulbs I used were a mixture of filament bulbs ( ie normal lamps) and LED's bought from Maplins for a couple of pounds. The reason I used both was because Maplins only had one pack of the bulbs in stock. In hindsight I think I would use all LED's, I believe they will last longer.

All I can remember about the bulbs/LED's is that they were 0.8 watt. Just get 0.8 watt with the height, diameter and pin spacing about right and I think they should work.

Although I used both bulbs and LED's, when I look at the console at night they are all the same brightness, i can't tell whichis which. Also they are the same brightness as the switch lights (rear washer etc) that are original.

One last point, don't go touching the components on the board, don't suppose they are particularly sensitive to static, but try and handle the board only by the edges.

hope this helps

Rodger

 

Rodger,
Many thanks for such a detailed and helpful reply. I'll give it a go!

Keith.

 

"2001"

 

Hi Keith,

I have a 2002 grand voyager and just had the instrument cluster removed. The ABS and handbrake lights are soldered LEDs (the flat square ones) on the circuit board. I have never replaced them so I cannot give any clues on how to do this.
Removal of cluster is easy. The top cover of steering column clips off and reveals 2 screws to loosen. " more scres at the top of the cluster to remove the bezel and then 2 screws (left and right) to release the cluster, remove plug from the back and you have removed the cluster.
The panel can be opened by releasing the clips all around. Remember when putting back together to set the dials of speedo and revs to the zero position instead of max

Hope this helps
Gerard