Dodge Caravan (01-03) Instrument Panel light replacement (How To)

Рет қаралды 155,872

Күн бұрын

A common issue with the Dodge Caravan (and Chrysler Town & Country?) is the instrument panel lights going out. This makes it almost impossible to see your fuel gauge or speedometer during night driving.
In this video I show how I was able to replace those lights with replacement parts for less than $20. The process takes around a half hour.
I am not a mechanic or a professional, I'm just looking to assist others who have this issue.
I say "Uh" a lot and I'm sorry for that.... I actually deleted out about 30% of them!
My replacement LEDs were purchased from www.superbrightleds.com

Пікірлер: 174

@dj4hire007 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you so very much, been a great big help. Had to replace several bulbs behind the instrument panel on a 2003 Chrysler Town & Country minivan. Went ahead & bought all 8 bulbs at $6.50 a piece at the dealership to go ahead & replace all of them while keeping the old ones that are still working as spares. You had mentioned that you are in Alaska, my father was in the Air Force & I was born at Elmendorf hospital in Anchorage, was there for only 6 months. Eventually, plan on taking an Alaskan cruise to see my birthplace when I retire. Right now, I'm living in Memphis, TN., home of Elvis Presley. Once again, thank you for your assistance, you definitely saved me quite a bit of money. God bless you & take care of yourself & your family.

@peterjgregg 10 жыл бұрын

We had no idea how to get at the bulbs, as the owner's manual tells you nothing. We found your video, and just finished replacing bulbs. Your instructions were very accurate and easy to follow, and the video was very well done. A BIG thank you!

@halgar69 9 жыл бұрын

Thank you Ryan. Extremely well done, you've covered everything I wanted to know, loved the video. Start to finish exactly the way it should be done. Thanks.

@alansmiley3870 8 жыл бұрын

Worked perfectly on my 2005 Grand Caravan SXT. There is no way I would have attempted to remove the instrument cluster on my own, but your video took away the fear of the unknown. The tips on how to remove the wiring connecter and the bulbs were especially helpful. I usually end up breaking something when I use the trial and error method; your video saved me that heartache!

@tzsetzse 10 жыл бұрын

Got the super bright LED's in under a week...these guys are super. I "discovered" that because these LED's are polarized, they all need to be installed in the same manner. They come with a small white paint dot on one side of the contacts. Doesn't say if that dot is a "+" a "-" but I assumed it to be a "+". With the entire panel assembly in your lap with the curved top closest to you, install these LED's with that white dot on "top" . As you torque them into place all the dots are "up". WORKS!!

@ericdiaz3740 10 жыл бұрын

Thank you for providing this video. It helped me to properly change a burned out light on my fuel gauge my cluster panel in my 2002 Dodge Caravan Sport. I have no mechanic skills whatsoever but you did such a great job explaining it all, it went well. It took me 1 hour and 10 mins. to actually do it, along with about 30 minutes reviewing your video. You did a great job explaining it all. Thank you.

@Almahaus 6 жыл бұрын

This video lessened the intimidation to repair and replace the burned out instrument lights with LEDs. It was all good advice and the job went well with no surprises. Thanks much.

@tzsetzse 10 жыл бұрын

I've owned my 2003 for 5 yrs. Year 2, I replaced 3 OEM bulbs and followed your steps exactly. However, today, I have another 2 bulbs out and am going to replace them all with your LED suggestion. Awesome job. I didn't know replacement LED's were even available. Most helpful and your time to 'splain it to us is greatly appreciated!

@ericanderson6296 8 жыл бұрын

Thank You for posting this video and showing me step-by-step how to fix this. You've done a good deed. Thank You again.

@RCOU97 6 жыл бұрын

Great video. My '02 had five bulbs. Did not remove cowl, did not unplug cluster. Bulbs did not light, very touchy. I reconnected the negative and rotated them "hot" until they lit. Thanks for taking the time to make this video!

@PetarDopchev 5 жыл бұрын

This is one of the best how to videos out there - really straightforward and easy to follow! Thank you for taking the time to make it!

@studyrocker327 10 жыл бұрын

Great video! The -ve battery terminal and rag-under-the-work-area tips are just excellent. Really appreciate you taking the time to make such a thoughtful and thorough instructional video for the rest of us. Many thanks!

@mico7523 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!! Your guide how to change the lights was so good; even a 50+ y lady without previous experience made it with your instructions 😁 Now they work like a dream: thank you so much!

@creamtang 9 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video it was very informative. I watched it a few times and then order the bulbs and it took about as long as your video to do. I was so happy and my girl was even happier!

@jonyboy0331 9 жыл бұрын

Great video. I just bought a Dodge Grand Caravan (2002) and noticed that the entire dash board didn't light up at night. Needless to say I need to replace all of those bulbs and after watching this video I can do it myself and save a lot of money (which of course was the point of this video). So I'm just saying thank you. Mechanic shops charge HUGE amounts of money for the tiniest jobs like this one that people could easily do for themselves if they only knew HOW.

@antwanboyd1 10 жыл бұрын

Thank you for putting this video together. I was really lost and did not know where to start becuase the bulb where the gas gauge is has been burned out for years on our 2005 Grand Caravan and I did not want to get robbed by the dealer. So thanks for all of the helpful instructions. I have to wait til nightfall to see if the bulbs work but at least I know how to get back into the instrument panel.

@GerryJ08 10 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. I have a 2005 grand caravan and some of the lights within the heater slider console are burnt out. The dealer wanted $ 85.00 (that's Canadian dollars) for each bulb. That didn't include labor. So seeing this video helps a lot in finding a bulb that will replace my burnt bulbs and I will purchase enough to replace all. Thanks again.

@harryehmseniii7855 9 жыл бұрын

You sir, are awesome. Thank you for putting together this video!

@DEEJAY7950 2 жыл бұрын

Very good instructions, well thought out, I'll be upgrading my dash lights on my 2003 Town & Country. Thanks again and God Bless!

@twocvsix 9 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for a great video. Very well spoken, and very detailed instructions. Makes the job look quite easy.

@scottcromar8242 5 жыл бұрын

Great video, I was able to clearly view the process even without the sound. Wish I had seen this video a few years ago. I was misinformed about the bulb type, believing they were led and soldered. Found bulb listing in manua todayl, researched the type and found your video. Thx!

@garagezu 11 жыл бұрын

thanks a lot, I almost breake my panel, I thought I'll never get it done, really apreciate that

@tyanite1 9 жыл бұрын

Deep and sincere thanks. This is a very well done video. You have saved me tons and tons of money.

@LestonDr 5 жыл бұрын

Great job, good audio, solid camera... wonderful information! You Rock!

@brentselleck8325 9 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this - very clear - saved me a ton of time -

@dsmoovest 10 жыл бұрын

This is terrific! Thanks a million. I really appreciate you taking the time to do this simply so you can help others. I am truly grateful for your willingness to invest your time and talents to save us hundreds of dollars, potentially. My situation is different with my 2001 Grand Caravan Sport because I'm searching for a possible short somewhere. As of last week, my whole cluster's power shuts down when I put on either the hazard lights or any of the left/right indicators. It could be a wiring problem or a faulty instrument cluster. If I want to try another cluster from the junk yard, I now know how to change the whole thing out! If it's something else, I can still change some LEDs that have blown in my current cluster. I'm not too good with cars, I ran out of money to have someone else fix these things and get taken for a ride so this is VERY helpful. I actually brought my laptop into the van and watched your video while doing the work - I now have the cluster out. Have a great summer!

@smacks9998 8 жыл бұрын

Thanks, that was very comprehensive and easy to follow!

@GertvanderDoes 9 жыл бұрын

Since then I have modded a bit more: I had some window foil left over, the stuff you stick on windows with water. It is semi-translucent white, don't quite know how to describe in English. It's like sandblasted glass or ricepaper. I taped that around the LEDs so the light is dispersed much more. Just cut a strip and taped it to the shaft so it made a U-shape around the LED. Made sure the tape didn't touch the LED since I'm not sure how hot those get and how much the foil can handle. It worked nicely. The blotchiness is much less. Don't understand why they make these LEDs with the long shafts. Just having them 1/4inch back would have been better already.

@phant0mv591 10 жыл бұрын

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I have an 04 Caravan and it was the same principles, with just 2 extra screws on the column.

@DThorwall 10 жыл бұрын

Great Video.... took a slightly intimidating task and made it easy! Also, great advice on removing the negative battery terminal, which never occurred to me. When you mentioned avoiding accidental air bag deployment, I though to myself " OH MY GOD! " Thanks!

@robbychanley6847 9 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Ryan. Well explained and informative - I am about to do the same to my 05 Town and Country.

@billguo7114 7 жыл бұрын

this is huge favour to me. it is going to save me at least 200 dollars. Huge thank you!!

@GertvanderDoes 10 жыл бұрын

Hey! Great tut! I replaced my lamps perfectly with your help. Mine is an '05 Voyager (EU). Two things: First: I didn't necessarily need to remove the steering wheel covers, I jumped straight to 2:18 and took the panel off. Saves half the work. Second: my LEDs are marked with a white dot on the fitting, that is the + side and needs to point to the upside of the panel. All contacts in the board have the same orientation. No trial and error necessary. I did find it wasn't making contact nicely on two of the LEDs after assembly, it's fidgety. After wiggling them a bit they did light up.

@ryanthiusjunk 9 жыл бұрын

Thanks Gert for those extra tips! I know it's been a while, but I added annotations with your suggestions to the video as they are real time-savers. =)

@TheEd1957 10 жыл бұрын

This worked exactly as you laid it out. Thank You. Only place I could buy the bulbs here was the dealers.

@jamesmcasteel 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this posting. Very helpful.

@joesanchez9811 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video I'll be changing some bulbs tomorrow morning. You gained a subscriber.

@LMarcelDupras 10 жыл бұрын

Good job with the video. Clear and concise instructions. A big thank you.

@asifov 9 жыл бұрын

great one !!! Thanks for uploading this... +10 for you !!I just fixed my RPM after watching this..

@63DJC 10 жыл бұрын

Great video. It really helped.

@bertmurillo1535 9 жыл бұрын

Thank you, you are the only person, that knows what you are doing, some people never mention disconnect the battery neg. I knew this,.very important. I need your help, and it is, how I get to the,board itself, that is I need to check the solder points. My fuel gauge does not work. The garage,people tells me I need a new cluster. I am trying to see if I can fix it before I buy a new one. Thanks for your help harpo210

@ryanthiusjunk 9 жыл бұрын

Thanks Harpo! If I understand your question correctly you need to pull apart the cluster. Its been quite some time since I've accessed that so I'll do my best to tell you how. At about 5 minutes in this video you can see the back of the cluster. Notice the tabs along the bottom edge? I believe the clear ones take the facing off, and alternately, I think the black ones begin to release the white back plate. There are also rectangle holes around the edge of the back plate. I believe you can push a flat- head screwdriver in and gently put pressure on tabs that lock the back plate. This should release it and give you access to the circuit board. As I said, I dont remember it perfectly, but I was able to take it apart somewhat easily when I had the cluster out if the vehicle. I think it would be somewhat easy to figure out once you have the cluster in your hands. I seem to remember having to make sure the speedometer was aligned correctly when I put it back together. I hope this helps, as I said this is from memory which, as I get older, is fading =)

@ryanthiusjunk 9 жыл бұрын

Hey Harpo, I know it's been a couple of weeks, but I found this video that might have an answer to your question. It's a different model, but I think it's the same process to take it apart. Repair instrument cluster 1999 dodge caravan

@raycefus 11 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info video. It helped out alot and saved me some money. MUCH APPRECIATED.

@chuckbalogh296 8 жыл бұрын

I just replaced 2 of the 10 dash bulbs (Fuel and Temp) on my 2004 Town and Country Touring. It was a breeze. I did not remove the steering column cowl. I did not even have to remove the power cable to the instrument cluster. It took about 15 minutes, start to finish.

@moflehal-subaei6403 8 жыл бұрын

Thanks that was very helpful, spacially the part where it's say how the plug disconnect it's good help.

@X35C 9 жыл бұрын

Great video! It helped a lot. Thank you.

@905viewer 10 жыл бұрын

Just finished replacing all on my 2003 Dodge Caravan. Using a screw starter helped when installing the 4 screws on the cluster.

@howitsdonetutorials5110 11 жыл бұрын

It's so helpful thanks again

@gregoryv.zimansr4031 7 жыл бұрын

Nice job on the video. Thanks it will save me some time...

@MrFromthe 9 жыл бұрын

GREAT VIDEO YOU SOLVED MY PROBLEM TO THE T STEP BY STEP EXCELLENT NARRATION YOU REALLY DID YOUR HOMEWORK WITH THIS ONE THANKS

@newcruiser 9 жыл бұрын

Very helpful !! thanks for uploading !.

@billchapel5248 4 жыл бұрын

I had a hell of a time getting the screws lined up, I finally put some crazy glue on my screwdriver to hold the screws parallel with the screwdriver, and I got them right in.

@jasongrover6834 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks, will save me a ton of time.

@hatfez 10 жыл бұрын

Another common issue with the cluster is poor solder contacts on the board where the wiring plug attaches. These need to be re-soldered while you have the cluster out. Even if you are not having an issue now, you may have one soon where your gauges stop working. You may even have a no-start issue due to the connections, as info from the BCM goes thru the cluster to the PCM.

@hegzhuss97 11 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, great video and very helpful.

@allenwhite6946 11 жыл бұрын

Yep! I have a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT and the fuel light is super dim, can not really see it at night, the dealer and the auto store told me that I have to buy the whole cluster and it was like $300 for it, I said, bull crap lol Thanks my friend. I am in Tn lol

@Mishakol1290 9 жыл бұрын

I have a dodge neon and two bulbs appear to be burnt out; the gas gauge and the temprature gauge. I'm just wondering how to take the cluster out. its a 02 sxt btw.

@barrystraughan 9 жыл бұрын

Thank you for posting this. It was very well explained. Do you know if what you posted is much different for the 2007 caravan?

@find-me-at-Clumslay 8 жыл бұрын

thanks for posting!

@albertf.cowskyiii1339 8 жыл бұрын

While replacing my lights, I experienced a situation where all the LEDs went dark and stayed that way. I ultimately had to pull the IOD fuse for a couple minutes to reset the cause. They worked just fine after that.

@user-yj9jo6sm6z 8 жыл бұрын

great video.very helpful.....thanks

@mikeondrejicka7421 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your help. I have a 2001 Caravan and can’t find the idiot lights parts that are up on top of the dash. I am missing the parts and cover that holds it in place. Do you have any idea where to get them? Thanks again

@craigvanmeter3138 10 жыл бұрын

Following your video, the installation of the LED's was a piece of cake. I used a 12 volt power supply with alligator clips on the leads to find out which contact point of the new bulb bases was positive / negative. Placed a black dot with a Sharpie on the bases and found the bottom contact point of the instrument circuit board is negative while the top contact point is positive. I was lucky and first guess worked.. I also found that the white LEDs create a nice blue,much more like found in late model cars. Now I want to change the bulbs in the climate control section with similar white LED's so everything matches ..... any chance you have done the same ???? Again, great and very helpful video.

@amylindsley7829 9 жыл бұрын

Awesome video.....thank you very much!!!!!

@comenza7 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that great video!

@ryanthiusjunk 11 жыл бұрын

You're Welcom! I used the auto finder and it listed the parts. PC74 is the vehicle's original part #. But SuperBrightLED lists them as T1.5CWHP. (The different colors will have different letter codes. mine were CWHP -Cool White High Power) The bulb ships with the housing. (as shown in the closeup on the video) And Yes, they can be removed from the sockets- they are like little Christmas lights. It's not a bad idea to order an extra 1 or 2 just in case you need to replace one in the future.

@ryanthiusjunk 11 жыл бұрын

You're welcome. Glad I could help!

@xiaolaohuxiao3293 9 жыл бұрын

do you know how to fix the 2009 caravan instrument panel lights going out.

@zloytatarinbon 10 жыл бұрын

Hi. Thanks for the video. Are those all 8 bulbs all of a same kind? "Instrument panel-general" ?

@JuanCarlosOrozco1982 10 жыл бұрын

Great video

@onjofilms 8 жыл бұрын

Ryan, they are not showing high power @ 10 lm and 2 lm regular. Which ones did you use?

@Anthony_in_Bloomington_Indiana 9 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video, Ryan! Yes, this walk through is very helpful. I have a friend in Saint Paul who has a 2001 Grand Caravan. That thing always needs some new part. The gauge lights should be easy. We also have to replace the muffler and resonator! Not so easy. Bunny, he bought these light bulbs from www.superbrightleds.com. It’s right in the description! Just remember to read the description for more helpful information.

@johnbauer7282 9 жыл бұрын

Hi, Thanks your video was so helpful, but I have a problem after I changed one light bulb which was off initially, I bought a regular light fro Orielly, but when I turned the power on I found another 3 light bulbs which was work just fine now burned!!, I just now replaced the burned 3 and.. oops another 4 lights burned including the first one I replaced but not any from the new installed....Any idea what's going on..could it be the new light bulbs cause the others to burn? Appreciate opinion

@pzeller1 8 жыл бұрын

+John Bauer Don't install or remove any of the bulbs with the light switch on, it causes them to blow. Now, that should be impossible, but I've absolutely verified it.

@JLan0904 7 жыл бұрын

perfect fix!

@indiajesuslovesyou 9 жыл бұрын

Thankyou for your help! James

@AudioyMas 9 жыл бұрын

very good video. and thanks for uploading these videos, I quice do the same despite having very good lighting, but that did not board my town and country 2001 canvio not limited color notary, since the board is unlike a presentation and could not appreciate the color. the only thing that served me to give you a limipiada inside the speedometer and clean chrome rings that truth over the years no one realizes how really dirty.

@guamboy76 11 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Very helpful.

@captaintimbailes7971 3 жыл бұрын

That was great, thank you!

@5142995325 10 жыл бұрын

Hi can you show me.how i buy the led light .where .thanks lot

@EvilDaveCanada 8 жыл бұрын

In a similar video, someone commented to add a small white dot for future orientation, having all dots face up.

@edgarroman5913 5 жыл бұрын

Very nice I'm gonna try that

@bayona71 11 жыл бұрын

Thank You this really nice of you! Can you please get me the light bulb part number from superbrightleds.Do the light bulb came with the little socket or the light bulb can be remove front sockets. And Thanks Again!

@lucaslopez4136 8 жыл бұрын

how do you move the steering wheel up and down?

@riaz8774 10 жыл бұрын

Wow. Excellent video. I hope i can get LEDs from partsource or chrysler dealer.

@yves_renaud 5 жыл бұрын

Did you also change the light in the center console.?

@DarkOm3ga 11 жыл бұрын

Will this work on a 2006 grand caravan? Great video! Very informative and good job on the specifics with the clip connecting the cluster

@lindasalfen593 5 жыл бұрын

My gauges all just shut off so i dont know how much gas I have but i keep a close eye on tha!!! but lately it will all just shut down and do nothing at all then it will come back on in a couple of days????????? so it doesnt show speed etc.... tpday it was like i had aliens in the van, it went crazy?????? what does it mean??

@NathanielHart1988 7 жыл бұрын

Do you have the part number for the bulbs?

@ryanthiusjunk 10 жыл бұрын

I know that the vans are very similar up to 2007. It's possible. If you order the dash lights, however, make sure they are for your year- (I believe there is a vehicle finder on super bright LEDs website). I've also heard there are different quantity of lights behind some other models. Overall though, I imagine the procedure is much the same. Good Luck!

@jeffellis7192 7 жыл бұрын

how do you replace the information panel lights

@heribertocruz3143 8 жыл бұрын

1996 dodge grand caravan 3.8 le the signal left and right wont work but the hazard light work also the AC doesn't work and the light for the airbag and the ABS light both are on and the backup light no work.

@EDCA3541 10 жыл бұрын

thank you you are de best

@mymaratona1 10 жыл бұрын

I have this exact problem on my 2006 Grand Caravan. The dash looks exactly like yours... any idea if this same procedure and parts will work for my van ?

@TuanNguyen-vf2qn Жыл бұрын

THANK YOU SO MUCH MY FRIEND ! I OWVE A BEER !

@2210Hinata 11 жыл бұрын

ryanthiusjunk Hi !!!! my problem is on a dodge caravan 1998 the needles on the dashboard all go down on me. how can I fix this problem?

@2210Hinata 11 жыл бұрын

Hi!!!! ryanthiusjunk my problem is on a dodge caravan 1998 the needles on the dashboard all go down on me. how can I fix this problem?

@gregvatistas7114 8 жыл бұрын

Big help, thx

@jokerje 10 жыл бұрын

SOrry about that...I was being stupid and didn't see it cause part of the description was hidden...is it still dimmable?

@deanstewart7838 9 жыл бұрын

Very well done Ryan! Right to the point, included all of the little "Indian-Tricks". One of the best D-I-Y's I have ever seen. I am about to do my '03. Do the LED's have a T5 base on them? Can I pull out the old bulbs and use the existing sockets? I have seen both T5 & T10 listed for the instrument lights. Do you know which one it is? Many Thanks

@ryanthiusjunk 9 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I don't know if the T5 or T10 will fit into the sockets. I did a quick google search and sort of got both yes and no answers. It seems like many people are using them interchangeably, but some of the parts lists say the T5/T10 will not fit the Caravan. I just went with the OEM replacement when I did mine. Sorry I can't be more helpful. Good Luck!

@deanstewart7838 9 жыл бұрын

ryanthiusjunk OK.... I think I have the bulb size figured out. I just received some PC74's with led and sockets. The wedge base size is T5. I have a couple of other T5's which swap perfectly. A T10 is way too big. Note: The LED assembly must be small enough to fit through the hole when installing so you cannot get a LED that is bigger in platform diameter. The stock bulb is a #74 which has a rating of 9 lumens according to this website: shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/sylvania-long-life-mini-bulb-74-ll/99997838-P?searchTerm=74+bulb#fragment-2 Thusly, the T5 LED with a single 5050LED which is rated about 15 lumens, according to "Wiki" SMD lumens search: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMD_LED_Module then should be substantially brighter and you can get whatever color you please. I wounder how the standard dash dimmer works on these LED's?? I just got some tiny T5's with 3 - 3528 SMD's each, one on the top and 2 on the sides. These should be about 18 lumens each and maybe have a better spread on the light....I also have some 2 x 5730chip ones coming mounted front and back, none facing up, these should be around 80 lumens each...maybe too much. I am out of control now...... Thanks again

@GertvanderDoes 10 жыл бұрын

Last night I drove home in the dark and the LEDs are indeed pretty bright. Also they are pretty close to the panel so the light is not uniform, there are pretty strong bright spots and the rest is readable but darker. I'm thinking of a solution to spread the light more. The LEDs do get dimmed with the rest of them, but so do the rest and those gets pretty dark.