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)
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
Comment by Braden Simpson — November 26, 2007 @ 8:08 pm
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
Comment by Marty — January 28, 2008 @ 8:51 pm
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
Comment by Sam O — March 25, 2008 @ 7:14 am