Replacing lamps on 2007 Saturn Vue instrument cluster
 

Hi fellow Vue owners,

Some of the lamps on the instrument cluster on my 2007 Saturn Vue (4-cyl, FWD, manual transmission) have failed, so the speedometer and tachometer are poorly illuminated. I would like to replace the bulbs, but I have been told by a mechanic that I need to install a completely new instrument cluster. This seems very odd to me as I have seen videos on YouTube covering bulb replacement on a 2006 Vue. Does anyone have experience with a similar problem?

Thanks,

Ken
Toronto, Canada

According to charm online manual, the bulbs are replaceable. See Instrument cluster bulbs in 2007 Vue

Hi Tony,

Many thanks for the info! It seems that the mechanic I spoke with was probably incorrect. I guess that I will try another repair shop. :)

Regards,

Ken

I have changed cluster bulbs. Not hard but I like to fix things. Maybe you don’t or can’t. Seems nothing is cheap when it comes to car repair.

Hi Stove,

Thanks for the reply. Just to confirm that you were able to change the instrument cluster bulbs on a 2007 Vue? The mechanic that I spoke with last week was implying that normally the bulbs can be replaced, but on my particular model and year it couldn't be done.

All the best,

Ken
Toronto, Canada

A lot of the newer vehicles have instrument clusters with surface mounted LEDs on the boards. They're not expected to burn out or fail during the life of the car. But when they do, you don't have much choice if you want them to work other than to get a new cluster which is stupid but also reality.

I doubt they were doing that in 2007 on Saturns.

RockAuto confirms that.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sat...2a2722219d.png

Hi Derf,

Many thanks for your reply and the info. Much appreciated!
Regards,

Ken

I would lean toward your cluster using these type bulbs. They are twist lock style, vs insert style.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sat...f269b1ee3.jpeg

The ones with the plastic base and contacts are usually preceded by the letters PC in their name. PC194.

Most of them you can actually push out the old bulb from the original connector through a little hole at the base of the connector and then put in just the replacement bulb. You can do this, but it is a pain in the arse and you risk crushing the new bulbs when putting them into these holders / basis. I recommend wearing gloves to keep your finger oil off the glass of the bulbs. No, they are not halogen, but considering how long the bulbs from the factory tend to last, I have to believe they took every precaution to ensure a long lasting life.