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Here's the Charm link for removing/installing the instrument cluster. Once you have it out, you can check to see what type bulbs you need. RockAuto says 194, but I'd verify that.
Let me warn you about two things I learned the hard way.
1) When you order bulbs make sure to prefix the bulb number with the letters PC, ie PC194.
The prefix PC on the bulb means that it will come preinstalled in the correct socket. Don't order bulbs without the sockets, because there is a high likelihood that the sockets in your instrument panel are not serviceable.
2) Once, I tried to use a the wrong bulb in one of the indicator lights on my instrument panel on purpose, because I didn't have the right ones on hand. Whenever I tried to start the car the starter immediately died and the car would lose all power for 10 minutes It would not start until I removed the incorrect bulb.
Hope this helps
Last edited by Rootmazur; Apr 9, 2025 at 04:48 PM.
Let me warn you about two things I learned the hard way.
1) When you order bulbs make sure to prefix the bulb number with the letters PC, ie PC194.
The prefix PC on the bulb means that it will come preinstalled in the correct socket. Don't order bulbs without the sockets, because there is a high likelihood that the sockets in your instrument panel are not serviceable.
2) Once, I tried to use a the wrong bulb in one of the indicator lights on my instrument panel on purpose, because I didn't have the right ones on hand. Whenever I tried to start the car the starter immediately died and the car would lose all power for 10 minutes It would not start until I removed the incorrect bulb.
Hope this helps
WOW, that's an extreme reaction to using.an alternate bulb!
Also, I can't find ANY bulbs anywhere with those part numbers. I am, however, finding bulbs with numbers like PC194CP, and PC161CP. Why is this so cryptic? What's the deal here?
I'd like to actually order the bulbs before taking this apart because I need the car, and I'd rather not do this twice.
Last edited by celticwarlock; Apr 10, 2025 at 02:08 AM.
WOW, that's an extreme reaction to using.an alternate bulb!
Also, I can't find ANY bulbs anywhere with those part numbers. I am, however, finding bulbs with numbers like PC194CP, and PC161CP. Why is this so cryptic? What's the deal here?
I'd like to actually order the bulbs before taking this apart because I need the car, and I'd rather not do this twice.
RockAuto does sell the bulbs with socket included but it doesn't seem to list them under the specific vehicles that use them.
PS: I made a thread about the first time I switched the bulbs in my instrument cluster. I talk about the TopDiag60 toolwhich allows you test your bulbs and cluster while they are on your workbench. 97 SL1 First time replacing instrument panel bulbs
Hope this helps.
Last edited by Rootmazur; Apr 10, 2025 at 09:17 AM.
You want the PC prefix so that the bulb comes pre-installed in the plastic piece that, if you look carefully, has two nubs that contact the traces on the cluster circuit board when you put it in and rotate it clockwise. You can sit around all day popping the bulbs out of the old holders and trying to jam new bulb into the old holders, but if you have any corrosion on the ***** that might be a problem later. I think the PC stands for printed circuit. Hence PC 194 is a 194 with the printed circuit socket, so to speak, already attached to the bulb or shall I say the bulb is already attached to the socket. Then you put the bulb in and rotate just like you would a tail light or turn signal light in the housing
I got the cluster out. Where the hell are the bulbs??? Those white things are the gauges themselves. Looking at this, I have no idea how the gauges are illuminated.
Instrument cluster bulbs.
