THE RIGHT SIDE INSTRUMENT ILLUMINATION BULB, THAT LETS YOU SEE THE GAS AND TEMP. GUAGES AT NIGHT, IS OUT. IS THAT REACHABLE FOR REPLACEMENT WITHOUT DOING A TOTAL CLUSTER REMOVAL? IF YOU'VE DONE IT BEFORE, CAN YOU GIVE ME THE BENEFIT OF YOUR WISDOM? JEFF

IT IS REACHABLE...sorry, it is reachable with the cluster in place, and your success will depend on your manual dexterity and the size of your arm. No secret here, just reach up and give it a twist. I got a replacement plus a spare from the stealership at their regular inflated price (OMRON halogen bulb if I recall) but they're nice and bright and have a good lifespan.

Just pull the cluster. It's easy. It might take you a half an hour the first time, but then you've done it and you know how. I can have my cluster out in three minutes. All you need is two screwdrivers - flat and phillips.

When you replace the bulb, make sure to replace the other one as well. You can get the generic european instrument illumination bulb from Napa or Autozone. It's a little brighter than the OEM bulb.

Best to take the cluster out. You don't have to remove it entirely just enough to angle it and reach behind it.Yes you may have to remove the cover on top of the steering wheel. Also the dimmer light panel and the 2 panels to the right of the cluster[can't recall right now].Get the bulbs from FCP Groton, much cheaper than the dealer and replace both now.Save the old good bulb as a spare.
Nelson

I've always pulled the cluster, and have gotten fairly quick at it, but...I would think you can get at the bulb by removing the underdash pads and contorting yourself to reach up there. High risk of snagging that mass of wiring and disconnecting something, though.

When you replace, use #168 bulbs - a bit brighter than the factory supplied bulb (#194, I think) which is sorely needed. I've done this on our 240's and no ill efects on the plastic housing from the small extra wattage.
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Bob (son's 81-244GL B21F, dtr's 83-244DL B23F, 'my' 94-944 B230FD; plus grocery-getter Dodge minivan, hobbycar MGB, and numerous old motorcycles)