how do you get plugs unplugged from the back of the panel? I don't see any clips and it will not come loose. I am replacing the panel because none of the lights work.
How do you unplug the idiot light panel on dashboard?
- Thread starter White J
- Start date
On my 91 the little bulbs burned out or were corroded at the base. Might try cleaning or replacing the bulbs before swapping the entire thing out.
OP
OP
You can se the 2 places the plugs go to, and I don't see how they unplug as there is no clips. But I pulled on the plugs in the jeep and they would not come unplugged. This is not the dash, just a picture to show where the plugs go.
Tough side is left side. Once left plug off, you can rotate over column and upside down making right side easy to access. No clips. Mine were stuck pretty good too on 1989. Pry on left and right side with flat blade screwdriver to get started. Or long handled angled needlenose is what I did as well. Wires to plug on left side so short, makes it hard to pull panel back far enough to see plug in its recess. Try to resist the urge to just yank on it by the wires (and it's a strong urge!). You can check bulbs with multimeter for continuity. Or replace. Bulbs go into holders that insert in sockets and rotate 1/4 turn to lock in. After apart, clean contacts inside plug and outside of pins on back of panel. Light coat of dielectric grease on pins, plug in and check blinkers and such. All my contacts clean and bulbs good...but still no light for high beams (just replaced that switch on column too...super fun!) or 4x4...most likely upstream issue like vac switch, etc., I've yet to trace and sort. Be patient, you'll get it! Good luck.
Oh, and clean the copper printed bulb contacts too on back of panel as they get corrosion (same with gauge cluster that caused non working temp and fuel gauges for me).
I did not resist the urge and destroyed mine, and it was very satisfying.