How To Change Instrument Cluster Bulbs?

yukonupxl · December 22, 2007

I have a 2003 Yukon XL SLT with 105,000 miles on it and one or two of the bulbs inside the instrument cluster seem to have gone out. I pulled the cluster out of the car, but can't figure out how to disassemble it so I can get to the bulbs. Can someone help me out here?

rogerf · December 23, 2007

I have a 2003 Yukon XL SLT with 105,000 miles on it and one or two of the bulbs inside the instrument cluster seem to have gone out. I pulled the cluster out of the car, but can't figure out how to disassemble it so I can get to the bulbs. Can someone help me out here?

Good luck...if it's like my Impala the bulbs are soldered into the cluster.

michigansilver03 · December 23, 2007

There not really serviceable some shops will solder new ones in, but I don't know much about them

WFO · December 23, 2007

On my 1994 WT I pulled the instrument panel and soldered a new bulb in. The hardest part is getting to the bulb. The NBS might have a LED not sure. Does any one know?

GatorFan · December 23, 2007

I have a 2000 and my bulbs can be replaced by untwisting the old ones from the back of the clustrer. I replaced mine with LED bulbs. I have heard (but not seen) that on the 2003 - up models, the bulbs are soldered into the cluster. You might have to find a shop that will do it for you unless you are willing to do it yourself. I bet someone on this forum has done this repair so it shouldn't be long before a reply is added. If you accomplish the repair yourself, might I suggest you add it to the Tech Wiki area so others may benefit from your directions/advice.

yukonupxl · December 23, 2007

I won't have a problem with soldering in a new bulb, my problem is I can't figure out how to disassemble the cluster to get to the bulbs without breaking it. Anyone know how?

WFO · December 23, 2007

I have a 2000 and my bulbs can be replaced by untwisting the old ones from the back of the clustrer. I replaced mine with LED bulbs. I have heard (but not seen) that on the 2003 - up models, the bulbs are soldered into the cluster. You might have to find a shop that will do it for you unless you are willing to do it yourself. I bet someone on this forum has done this repair so it shouldn't be long before a reply is added. If you accomplish the repair yourself, might I suggest you add it to the Tech Wiki area so others may benefit from your directions/advice.

Your right. I think I had a 1/4 turn socket or something that I turned out then soldered it into that. It has been about 6 years or so. It is hard to remember correctly. I know the dealer wanted to replace it with a new one though for a high price and I thought I'll try to repair it first and it worked.

michigansilver03 · December 23, 2007

yukonupxl is in the same boat I'm in they recalled the clusters on 04 and up gm fullsize the 03 down are on there own even thou they have the same clusters.

However, my dealer has replaced mine twice but I have a extended warranty

yukonupxl · January 2, 2008

So has anybody actually pulled their cluster apart and soldered in a new bulb or am I on my own with this?

minibike132 · January 2, 2008

Instrument Cluster Bulb Replacement

Removal Procedure

Important: This procedure calls for the replacement of incandescent bulbs only. The light emitting diodes (LEDs) are not replaceable individually. If LED or soldered-in incandescent bulb replacement is needed, send the cluster to an AC Delco Service Center. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement .

<LI type=1>Remove the instrument panel (I/P) cluster. Refer to

Instrument Cluster Replacement .

<LI type=1>Unclip the I/P cluster rear cover plate by prying gently on the tabs with a screwdriver.

<LI type=1>Remove the rear cover plate from the I/P cluster.

<LI type=1>Remove the bulb and base assembly by turning the bulb 1/2 turn counter clockwise and pulling outward.
Remove the bulb from the base by pulling outward.

Installation Procedure

Important: This procedure calls for the replacement of incandescent bulbs only. The light emitting diodes (LEDs) are not replaceable individually. If LED or soldered-in incandescent bulb replacement is needed, send the cluster to an AC Delco Service Center. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement .

<LI type=1>Install the bulb to the base. <LI type=1>Install the bulb into the cluster by inserting the bulb and base assembly and turning the bulb 1/2 turn clockwise.

<LI type=1>Carefully snap the rear cover plate to the I/P cluster.
Install the I/P cluster. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement .

jrrod2004 · January 2, 2008

hey mike, you work at a dealership?

minibike132 · January 2, 2008

uummm are you from gm corporate?

jrrod2004 · January 2, 2008

yeah used to be as most of the guys here know, but I switched jobs about 2 weeks ago from GM Field Assistance Team to Progressive Direct (Auto Insurance).

minibike132 · January 2, 2008

I never asked anyone is there a problem republishing gm stuff I looked around the site and found plenty of diagrams and bullitens so I didn't think there was a problem with it. If there is I'll stop, I don't want to get into trouble trying to help someone save a buck.

jrrod2004 · January 2, 2008

no I dont care, I never would, matter of fact, I used to do this practically every day (look at the tech wiki - I posted most of that stuff) What I was gonna say is could you help me figure out how to post the vin cards as well, I have been working to try to compress them to get them online for everybody to have......you do whatever, from time to time, I will post requested information (My dealerworld login is still active) - post all you can, I know you will be helping me and MS3DALE out (Rich)......