Help please!

Does anyone know if the check engine bulb can be replaced without removing the cluster?

Ours will not pass inspection with the bulb burned out.

Hoping I can get to it from underneath the dash.

Hawkeye

1996 850 NA 236,000 miles

It's not such a nasty job to pull the instrument cluster, as the previous
reply suggested.

One reason bulbs blow out is high voltage. Keep the dash lights adjuster on the low side.

Plan B is to replace those hard to get bulbs with LED replacement modules that
are very long life, and more tolerant of auto voltage variations.
Check here.

http://dx.com/c/car-accessories-799/car-lights-723/car-led-bulbs-712

You can find a better replacement and pay less than AutoZone prices.

One difference with LEDs however is that you can install them backwards, so be sure to test them before buttoning up the dash.

Bill

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I'll be pulling the cluster this weekend.

hawkeye

Pulled the cluster following the Bay 13 instructions. All went well. The dealer did not have the bulb so I went to the pull a part and now I have 13 working examples for the mere price of zero. They were free, but I did buy a nice drivers side sun visor that wasn't floppy and some center caps for our 760.

If someone needs a bulb or two sent me a PM. I am trying to stop hording parts, it might be good therapy!!

Hawk

I also have a dozen used bulbs and put them in a baggie. Two of them are black based for the clock/temp. Anyone close to me can have some, but postage is at least $1.50 (padded envelope).

Which reminds me, one of my seat heater switches stopped lighting up. Time to get to work.

Some on that side of the cluster can be reached after taking off the knee bolster. The problem is getting something in there to twist the back of the bulb holder to pull it out, and then, the hard part, pushing the new holder back in while turning. My hands didn't move that far.

You could just remove/lift the dash pad, it's not that hard with a T25. If you have a turbo, remember to disconnect the vacuum line for the gauge.

That will also give you a chance to replace the large bulbs, and the micro lights for the temp display.

Wish the CEL on my VW would burn out. Either way, you will need to pull the cluster, it's not that hard on an 850. Well documented in internet land, just take your time and you will do well.