The instrument panel lights on my '80 242DL are barely legible. The center panel lights are OK. The rheostat is turned up all the way - still doesn't do any good. Are most of the bulbs gone or is there something else I should do before pulling the inst. panel? Thanks.

If you remove the instrument cluster, make sure to clean all surfaces of the clear plastic lens (especially the raw edges). The plastic works much like fiber optics to cast a dim green glow on the gauges. A good lens cleaning and new bulbs should help lighten things up a bit.
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Harold Thompson '84 245 Virgos

Well, for Jorrell's information, if not for yours, the instrument lights do not mount in the back of the cluster as on later years, if you have the original dash with small cluster. But cleaning the contacts isn't a bad idea. There are three bulbs with common power and ground. They are 2w and the socket is Ba7s. They should each have a reflector hood.

I'd start with new bulbs. They're easy to get to once the cluster is removed. They should be clipped to the dash above the cluster. If you need instructions for cluster removal let me know. It's a bit different than the later models but still pretty easy.

You could bypass the dimmer but from my experience it doesn't help much.

I have thought about adding a second string of bulbs in my 242, I have an extra set, but mounting them requires more thought than I have given the matter. There's barely enough room anyway.

You could remove the diffuser strip but the light would pool and look sort of ghastly. Maybe a different material that would pass more light and still distribute it evenly would work but I wouldn't know what to suggest.

One member here suggested aluminum foil inside the reflector which is just glossy white paint as it comes originally. I've been meaning to give that a shot.

White face gauges might be a way to go. Dave Barton sells them still, I think, or it is possible to make them.

But start with new bulbs. It may get you where you want to be. The instrument lighting is pretty atrocious in the early years, though.
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'80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon

Yes, I do need help removing the instrument cluster. I can remove the 2 screws at the bottom of the cluster but then how do you pull the thing out? Tried twice but don't want to break anything. Thanks. BYW, really like this 242DL - basic is the way I like it. Really think you could say there's fewer gadgets but more quality in the older 240s.

So I'll go out on a limb and guess you also have everything disconnected from the back.

At this point you need to reach under the dash and push up on the bottom of the cluster, up by the opening, and at the same time swing it out a bit. There are a couple of retainer clips at the top so it's rather like being hinged. The clips may pop off so take care they don't hit you in the eye or get lost.

Then you should see the lamps. As I recall they remain in place in the dash.
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'80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon

The bulbs for lighting the instruments do die and need replaced on occasion. Another issue that creeps up on occasion is oxidation on the copper contacts where the bulbs make contact. If the latter is the case, pulling the circuit board off the backside of the instrument cluster is a "must" so you can clean the contacts.

jorrell
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92 245 250K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently taking names and kicking reputations!

Rheostat windings are probably dirty.
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George Downs, Bartlesville, Heart of the USA!