Gauge Light question -

[BlueLine984]

Do the gauges on the Interstate have replaceable lights inside of them? My Tach gauge only has the back half that's lighting up at night and that's rather annoying. I haven't had the extra minute to dismantle the front faring to get the gauges out to check and before I do, I thought I'd ask.

[dreamchaser]

I don't really know about the Interstate, but my '99 Standard guages are backlit only and yes that can be annoying if they are not bright enough.  I replaced the bulbs in mine with really bright led bulbd in blue.  What a difference!  Do a search for LED Gauge Bulb  replacements when you are in 1500 tech board.  You may need to play with your wordin, but there is a lot of info available if you use search.  By the way, welcome to the VRCC  from Portland, Or

[Joe Hummer]

Hey Blue,

There are 4 bulbs in the IS dash panel. 

http://www.ronayers.com/oemparts/a/hon/506c2ec8f870023420a31b06/speedometer

Item 15 on that page. 

To get to them, you need to take the side panels off the fairing.  Loosen the screws (if you have any spin on you, put your fingers between the panel and the fairing and pull a little while spinning the screw...then use superglue to re-insert the insert.)  One you have the panel loose, reach inside and disconnect the speaker wires.  Repeat for the other side.

The dash is held in place by more of the small screws and 4 bolts.  Remove these and you can pull the dash out a little.  Reach behind the dash and disconnect the connector on the back.  The release is on top of the connector.  Now you can completely remove your dash. 

On the back of the dash, you will see 4 black covers, pop those out and you will be able to get to the bulb holders. 

Now comes the decision point...do you want to go back with stock bulbs (I would get them at the dealership...they are cheap enough...) or replace with LEDs.  The type 74 bulb is a good replacement.  I used these myself for the inside two... https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/instrument-cluster-gauge/74-led-bulb-3-smd-led-miniature-wedge-retrofit-car/228/1069/ and these for the outside two... https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/wedge-bulbs/74-led-bulb-3-smd-led-miniature-wedge-retrofit-car/228/1067/.  I went with white for the outside because the blue wasn't quite bright enough to light up the speedo and tach.  The LEDs are plenty bright and it gives the dash a different look. 

Joe

[salty1]

BlueLine you can download the service manual at this site:
http://www.valkyrienorway.com/download.html

JoeValkIS thinking on LEDs is the way to go. They do brighten things up. Another way to reset any screw inserts that spin is to JB Weld them back into place. Just make sure to keep the Weld out of threads.

[salty1]

Not looking to hijack this thread, but was wondering if JoeValk put LEDs in place of the OEM indicator bulbs.?

[Joe Hummer]

Not looking to hijack this thread, but was wondering if JoeValk put LEDs in place of the OEM indicator bulbs.?

I only replaced the dash lights.  I haven't ventured into replacing the High Beam, Neutral, or any of the other idiot lights. 

[72cutlassdude]

Has anyone figured out how to change the idiot lights on an IS dash? Would like to put LED's in.