Replacing an instrument panel bulb
Just before the last service I had arranged for our 2001 Holden Zafira, I noticed that the odometer had gone black. While it looked like some sort of LED dot matrix display, after some investigation with a torch (and comparing the other displays) it seemed to be some sort of backlit LCD panel. I asked for the people doing the service to have a look at it for me. They rang after they had done the normal service and told me the bulb could be replaced, and the bulb was only a few dollars, but it would cost me $150 to do the job. This was because the whole dashboard would need to be removed just to get to the bulb. So I decided there and then, I would get them to supply the bulb and have a go myself.
Well, after a few false starts (mainly around getting the radio out, but also I struggled to one screw that preventing me removing the dash), I managed to fix this a few weekends ago. It was quite rewarding to do this, as these days I tend to get my cars fully serviced at the dealer service centres. I also thought that there was some really nice engineering in how all the modules were designed to fit together.
Anyway if you have a Zafira, which is basically a pregnant Astra, you might find the photo diary I recorded here useful. (BTW for those that are interested the Holden Zafira is assembled in Thailand, but it is basically the same design as the GM Vauxhall Opel that is built in Belgium)
Comment by Braden Simpson
Today I noticed the odometer had gone black on my 2001 Zafira and did a quick google search to see if it was another of those common problems that seem to plague this car. Had the timing chain done under dealer recall but the ignition module decided to pack it in not long after the warranty expired (expensive) and only 52000 km on the clock. Had an oil leak fixed recently and now the odometer bulb appears to have blown at 61000 km; only the fuel gauge and rear brake issue to go…
Many thanks for the photo diary as I suspect that I will also have to pull the dash apart to get to the faulty bulb. Not so sure about the removal of the radio but the rest looks okay. What I don’t know is why GM/Opel/Vauxhall/Holden didn’t use a LED for illuminating the digital display as it would have lasted the lifetime of the car.
Cheers,
Braden
Posted on November 26, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Comment by Marty
Braden, I don’t think white LEDs were available in 2001 – or certainly were probably in the $10 range. Today I doubt a manufacturer would use incandescents in such a situation – unless that were hoping to make a killing out of the service to replace it
Posted on January 28, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Comment by Sam O
Thanks for the photo diary very helpful. Sure this is what has happended to the odometer on my Zafira. Will get the part and have a go and taking the dash apart (with your very helpful pictures this weekend.) And hopefully put it back again.) Pic 28 shows the mess you need to make and pic 29 made me laugh!
Sam
Posted on March 25, 2008 at 7:14 am
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Posted on May 27, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Comment by Chris Byers
Martin,
This was awesome! Thanks! Only took about 1.5 hours and only cost £1.5.
And I was feeling proud of myself that I was only going to end up with one screw…but then I found that I put some others in the cup holder. So the final count was 4.
Thanks again!
Chris
Posted on July 12, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Comment by Mark
I have the same trouble on my Zafira, thanks for the photo diary, I am planning to have a go at replacing mine when Iget the chance.
Posted on August 11, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Comment by Piers Kittel
Wow surprised how much work is involved considering, like you said, that the Zafria is a pregnant Astra (like the description btw!). My Haynes manual is for both the Zafria and Astra as well. I needed to remove the instrument panel – which is exactly the same as yours but with an odometer displaying miles – to access the wiring behind it to install cruise control. All I did was:
1) Remove 4 screws
2) Slide out surround
3) Remove 2 more screws
4) Move lever
5) Slide out instrument panel.
Total time: 2 minutes. Interesting how it’s completely different for the Zafria!
Posted on September 27, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Comment by Simon Davies
Thanks very much for this. Worked fine for my 2004, UK, right-hand-drive Zafira Elegance 1.8 dual fuel model.
I seemed to have a couple more screws to deal with, including one in the left hand air vent.
It took me between 3 and 3 and a half hours to do, including unnecessary work such as putting the steering wheel covers back before replacing the dashboard, then having to take them off again to get the dash in.
Thanks again for the money saved!
Posted on October 8, 2009 at 11:54 pm
Comment by Rainer O
Hi, I have the same problem but can’t get myself to go through the hussle and may end up causing damage I cannot repair. In any case who ever thought out such a design with a difficult to access bulb which obviously may need replacing is any thing but a genius…
Thanks all
Posted on November 8, 2009 at 11:30 pm
Comment by Adam
Help – where are the instructions? just bought a 2003 zafira comfort with the back light not working! Ive fixed the key fob for which my wife was amazed then there is one of the seats in the back that wont click into place properly so instructions for the backlight would be great. Thanks Adam
Posted on May 1, 2010 at 4:49 am
Comment by Martin Visser
Adam, the only instructions were the photo diary I linked to the original post. It is available at http://static.sunriseroad.net/marty/private/replace%20odo%20bulb/
Posted on May 2, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Comment by Dean
Thank you so much for that walkthrough. It took me one hour. A couple of tricky bits to point out: I couldn’t release the light controls but managed to ease the surround over the dashboard. The dial cluster is locked into place with a plastic lever at the top centre. This must be in the left position to engage when replacing and required a bit of jiggling to locate. When replacing the top cover it’s easier to squeeze the lugs into place rather than push and click. Awesome – I owe you a pint!
Posted on May 4, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Comment by Gilberto Geraci
I think your write up was actually a sweet start to a potential series of blog posts about this topic. Most writers act like they know what they are talking about when it comes to this area and most of the time, hardly anyone actually get it. You seem to understand it however, so I think you ought to take it and run. Thanks!
Posted on August 12, 2010 at 8:04 am
Comment by Peter L
Message for Martin Visser, Hey. Great and well documented. I have just changed my odo lamp on the same zafira her in London England Novemeber 2010. Brilliant and thanks, your photos and guide has help loads of people. ta
Posted on November 10, 2010 at 4:39 am
Comment by Laveta Matza
what fine study.
Posted on January 20, 2011 at 1:32 am
Comment by Mario Curtis
My Zafira is a 2005 model, I am assuming it is now an LED backlight. Do you think this replacement job could affect the milometer reading, ie. will I be breaking some obscure law? I want to give it a go but am a worrier!
Posted on May 6, 2011 at 4:37 am
Comment by Martin Visser
Not sure if they have changed the backlight. I was surprised to have a LCD display lit by an old-fashioned incandescent lamp in my car. I am pretty sure the odometer is designed these days to be quite tamperproof, so I think you are unlikely to affect the mileage. (Make sure you take the battery out of the car before you do any changes will almost ensure this)
Posted on May 6, 2011 at 7:51 am
Comment by Mario Curtis
Local Vauxhall dealer very helpful but labour costs of £80+ an hour put me off, so have ordered 2 x £1 bulbs and just need a window of opportunity about 3 hours (so a picture window probably).
PS I shone a torch on the display and could still faintly see mileage, so I knew the unit was still working. Thanks again for advice.
Posted on June 3, 2011 at 8:07 pm
Comment by Mario Curtis
Done it! Two hours fifteen minutes,one torx screw dropped behind heater controls but not crucial. Garage supplied a clear glass bulb, not the pearl glass that diffuses the light more evenly, but I am well pleased with myself. Make sure you know the radio keycode before you start taking it out!
Posted on June 11, 2011 at 3:06 am
Comment by Mario Curtis
The ‘posted’ times for my comments seem to be way out of whack?
Posted on June 11, 2011 at 3:08 am
Comment by Martin Visser
Mario,
I live in Australia, and my server runs in that timezone. Probably that is the anomaly you see.
Martin
Posted on June 11, 2011 at 10:40 am