'03 P5 dash gauge lamp out - how easy to replace?

[Harlock]

The left side of the speedometer is now dark. (the red colored illumination on the numbers and tick marks)

How difficult is it to get the dash apart and replace the lamp? Is it an LED or a regular tungsten bulb? If the former is it surface mounted / soldered on?

From what I have seen on other cars everything is lit using a maze of light pipes from a couple of bulbs.

Also, if this one is out, are the other bulbs far behind, or might this be a result of a solder connection breaking due to vibration or heat cycle stress.

The car is getting up there but I'm trying to keep it going for another year or so. Just got new tires and brakes and its running like a champ otherwise, aside from the shocks being far gone.

-M

 

[Harlock]

Found a video on youtube that seems to indicate that it is trivially simple. Two screws up underneath the sun shade, and then maybe one or two more and two electrical connectors to remove.

 

[Maroon]

You have it right. It's very simple.

When mine go out, I cut the red shade off the old bulb and put in on the new one. Just do it carefully with a razor blade. Should stay, but you can use a little glue if needed. I seem to remember not being able to find red bulbs last time I looked.

 

[Hank3]

Check this thread for bulb info (in particular Post #13):

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123798041-Size-Quantity-of-cluster-bulbs

Some How-To threads (last one has pics):

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?22542-How-To-Gauge-Cluster-Removal

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/show...nge-Gauge-Lights&highlight=Swap gauge cluster

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?48154-How-To-Gauge-Disassembly

 

[Harlock]

Thanks guys that's perfect. Glad they are using fairly standard parts, and I will re-use the orange cover.

-H