DIY: 96-04 Acura RL instrument gauge cluster LED bulbs

[Ziljon]

Well, I fiddled some more and found that, when I had those two philips-slotted bolts out, I could jiggle the whole radio/AC console, however, then I realized that perhaps I hadn't removed the correct bolts underneath the wood inlay under the gear shift. There were two bolts way down, which, when loosened allowed the gear mechanism to jiggle (I had to remove the cup holder to reach them), and there were to philips-sloted bolts right under the wood inlay (up front, adjacent to the P position of the gear shift) which, when loosened, had no effect at all.

So then, while jiggling the radio/ac console, I started to feel that perhaps there were two screws at its bottom, but I couldn't reach them without pulling the wood inlay out completely (which was impossible because of the cigarette lighter's electrical connection).

So I gave up and put it all back together...again.

[97_RLer]

Originally Posted by Ziljon

Well, I fiddled some more and found that, when I had those two philips-slotted bolts out, I could jiggle the whole radio/AC console, however, then I realized that perhaps I hadn't removed the correct bolts underneath the wood inlay under the gear shift. There were two bolts way down, which, when loosened allowed the gear mechanism to jiggle (I had to remove the cup holder to reach them), and there were to philips-sloted bolts right under the wood inlay (up front, adjacent to the P position of the gear shift) which, when loosened, had no effect at all.

So then, while jiggling the radio/ac console, I started to feel that perhaps there were two screws at its bottom, but I couldn't reach them without pulling the wood inlay out completely (which was impossible because of the cigarette lighter's electrical connection).

So I gave up and put it all back together...again.

lol, You gotto read the step-by-step instruction carefully and throughly.

[Ziljon]

Originally Posted by 97_RLer

lol, You gotto read the step-by-step instruction carefully and throughly.

RLer, you're kidding, right? I've done nothing but stare at those instructions for days! But I know I can do this.

You've been so kind to post the instructions in the first place, I hope you won't mind adding a little clarification.

1. Unscrew the shift knob.
2. Pop off the black gear select cover. There are four clips to pop off.
3. Pop off the wood console panel and pull it out to access the two bolts at the bottom (96-04). (Can you please describe where the two bolts are in relation to the gear shift cover (i.e. adjascent to P, or, down below 1st gear, way down in cavity, or, behind the ashtray, facing forward--you will have to pull the wood panel out completely, etc)(Also, when you say "access" the two bolts, do you mean just that; to access them, or do you mean loosen them, or do you mean remove them?)
4-1. Remove the center air vent (96-98 only). There are eight clips totally. Four are up and the other four are down of the center air vent. Insert a flat-head screw driver under the center air vent to pry the clips up and pull it then insert the screw driver upper the center air vent to pry the clips down and pull it gently.
4-2. Remove the two bolts on top of the center console, then, carefully pull the climate control and audio unit assembly out. You don’t need to pull it out completely (96-98 only). (There are four bolts at the top of the unit, two face forward and two face downward, please clarify which you mean.)

If you can answer these questions (in blue) I think I can get it done (unless the next part is trickier than the first ). Thanks so much for all your help so far!

[97_RLer]

Originally Posted by Ziljon

RLer, you're kidding, right? I've done nothing but stare at those instructions for days! But I know I can do this.

You've been so kind to post the instructions in the first place, I hope you won't mind adding a little clarification.



If you can answer these questions (in blue) I think I can get it done (unless the next part is trickier than the first ). Thanks so much for all your help so far!

If I misguided you then I'm sorry but it looks like you misread the instruction.
Anyway, a PDF schematic drawing will clarify 100 times more than my instruction. PM me your email address and I will send you a PDF file. DON'T GIVE UP!!!

EDIT: You don't need to remove those two brass bolts. You have to remove two bolts on top of the center console and another two bolts on the bottom of the center console behind the ashy tray.

97_RLer

[shaikat]

just finished installing them.......looks awesome.....hopefully it will not burn out soon......fingers crossed.......thanks a lot 97_RLer u rock !

[97_RLer]

Originally Posted by shaikat

just finished installing them.......looks awesome.....hopefully it will not burn out soon......fingers crossed.......thanks a lot 97_RLer u rock !

Thanks you enjoy yours! But you'd better post a better quality pics for other forum members for reference. Are those all white LED bulbs?

[shaikat]

thanks....those are all blue leds.....i took this picture with my iphone (camera sucks on it) i will try to get a digital camera and will post good quality one.

[UnorthodoxKustoms]

crappy pic but thats how mine look during the day

[drjeffreywong]

Ziljon,
did you ever get those lights in? I have the repair manual that shows step by step how to remove things and which screws to remove. If you still need help let me know.

[Ziljon]

Originally Posted by drjeffreywong

Ziljon,
did you ever get those lights in? I have the repair manual that shows step by step how to remove things and which screws to remove. If you still need help let me know.

Than you Dr. Wong. In fact, I bought the repair manual too. I just haven't had a quiet Sunday to make the attempt. Thanks for the offer, though.

[DC1225]

Hey guys, how are those bulbs working out? did any of them burn out yet?

[drjeffreywong]

Bulbs are looking great! I don't expect them to burn out for the life of the car.

[DC1225]

Originally Posted by drjeffreywong

Bulbs are looking great! I don't expect them to burn out for the life of the car.

Dr. wong, where did you buy the bulbs from? how many what size?

[Malone]

I'm looking to sell the xenon white bulbs for the gauge cluster. I'm thinking i want to go back to natural amber.

I've only had them on for 3 months. all of them work. I haven't taken them out yet but if anyone is interested, that would give me some motivation.

[DC1225]

I actually just purchased white Xenon from JP_Warden on ebay...now I just need find someone to put'em in! If you wanna put mine in, you can have my amber OEM and I'll pay you for your time, LOL!

deal, no deal?