Corolla Dash instrument panel removal ?

dnme

Hi, I am looking for anyone who has removed the dash instrument panel in an older Corolla (1998, 1.3).

I'd like to take mine out for bulb cleaning and replacement but wouldn't know where to start and am terrified that I'll do damage. Thus is I could find someone who has pioneered the trail before me and could give me a few pointers that would be great.

vectrahed

dnme wrote: »

Hi, I am looking for anyone who has removed the dash instrument panel in an older Corolla (1998, 1.3).

I'd like to take mine out for bulb cleaning and replacement but wouldn't know where to start and am terrified that I'll do damage. Thus is I could find someone who has pioneered the trail before me and could give me a few pointers that would be great.

i have done it once to my opel vectra, mite be the same way

colm_mcm

Been a while but:
Adjust steering wheel down
Unscrew hidded Philips head screws pointing upwards
Pull the frame off
Glass stays on the speedo
3 screws hold in the speedo unit

Unit just pull out, bulbs are clearly visible at the back, they just unscrew
Have you got the correct bulbs for it?

dnme

colm_mcm wrote: »

Unscrew hidded Philips head screws pointing upwards
Pull the frame off

Colm, can you clarify / elaborate on this bit?

I dont have the bulbs yet, I will consult manual and maybe have a look in Halfords or try ebay.

PADRAIC.M

All good as far as pulling out the unit,the speedo cable has a clip you have to press down to release, then it comes out- the screw is at the top of the surround you are removing.

dnme

Thanks for the help folks, I managed to get the panel out today. I struggled with the speedometer cable for a while before I realised that the cable can be released very easily in th engine compartment. There's a hand release assembly, just unscrew it and the speedo cable can now move freely in and out through it's firewall gromit making the release and replacement of the instrument panel a breeze.



Now, the next problem is that Halfords say they dont have the bulbs. Does anyone know what these bulbs are and where / how I might order them?

The Muppet

Bring one of the bulbs to a proper motor factors and they'll give you the proper replacement. Failing that your nearest Toyota parts department will help.

colm_mcm

If they're coloured bulbs then main dealer is best.

dnme

colm_mcm wrote: »

If they're coloured bulbs then main dealer is best.

They are not coloured but they have rubber colour sleeves over them. The big ones are W5W T10 types as pictured.


I am thinking of replacing them with nice red leds for a warmer look. I have ordered these.

colm_mcm

Leds will just give you spots of light, they won't spread out the light like bulbs do.

dnme

Dam, oh well you live and learn. I have a traditional w5w 501 filament bulb here (Bosch 501) but it's specifically sold as a parking light bulb. It will fit the dash but I am worried about heat. It's 5w, would that get hot ? especially when I put the green rubber cap on it?

breadbin

dnme wrote: »

Thanks for the help folks, I managed to get the panel out today. I struggled with the speedometer cable for a while before I realised that the cable can be released very easily in th engine compartment. There's a hand release assembly, just unscrew it and the speedo cable can now move freely in and out through it's firewall gromit making the release and replacement of the instrument panel a breeze.

now you tell me;) i remember struggling with them bulbs the last time i had a corolla but now i got another so might still come in handy:) thanks