Awkward bulb!

[BigYin]

The little bulb that illuminates the auto gear shift on my 1993 surf is bust and I want to replace it, but so far I've only managed to get in behind it - to the bulb holder. The cover with the gear markings on it doesn't want to lift off - there's a little red button at the end of it that is possibly preyenting it shifting? Anyone come across this before? Any tips for getting to the bulb? What is the bulb? Would make life easier if I could see what gear I was in!

[T1z3R]

you know i didnt even know that was supposed to illuminate
ive lifted the cover with the markings half way off in the past, usually whilst waiting for the missus, but i too noticed it doesnt appear to lift off behind the red button. i can get it to lift over the button but there is still a tabn that secures it behind that again.

i reckon the tab will break if pulled to hard so i figure the cover needs to be removed whilst in a more horizontal position.

ill have a look at mine again later after ive rescued my truck and will report back if no one else has.

[BUSHWHACKER]

The plastic surround (the section that holds the ECT button) and the screw that just under the short transfer lever knob needs to be removed to gain access to the bulb holder..
The bulb is a small capless type in a holder on the driver's side of the lever, that you twist to get out.

[BigYin]

The plastic surround (the section that holds the ECT button) and the screw that just under the short transfer lever knob needs to be removed to gain access to the bulb holder.. The bulb is a small capless type in a holder on the driver's side of the lever, that you twist to get out.

I lifted the plastic centre console that houses the gear levers. The gear indicator cover lifts at the peas end, but not at the forward end, so not enough space to get at the bulb. I undid the black plastic housing at the base of the auto shift to get in underneath the bulb and got to its holder but couldn't shift it and stopped because I didn't want to break it. At a bit of a loss how to get in above the bulb when the cover refuses to shift at one end, and don't want to snap it... What's the little red button for anyway??

[T1z3R]

What's the little red button for anyway??

it lets you move the gear selector with the ignition off.

[Diezel Weazel]

Someone did a small write up on here somewhere, when we both done ours ... Try this Guys
http://www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/forums/sh...t+illumination


There's always a Payback .. Cos ya don't know where n ya never know when !!

[Albannach]

I lifted the plastic centre console that houses the gear levers. The gear indicator cover lifts at the peas end, but not at the forward end, so not enough space to get at the bulb. I undid the black plastic housing at the base of the auto shift to get in underneath the bulb and got to its holder but couldn't shift it and stopped because I didn't want to break it. At a bit of a loss how to get in above the bulb when the cover refuses to shift at one end, and don't want to snap it... What's the little red button for anyway??

As vince said, that cover doesn't come off, the lamp is accessed from below it. It will come out.

By the way, even if you do get that plastic cover off, you still can't see the lamp.

Where in Central Scotland are you?

[puddlesurfer]

I did mine earlier this week, it's not too bad - loosen off the (centre consol)cowling so you can lift it, but not the black gear lever part - the bulb holder is visable underneath, just twist it about 90 degrees using finger tips, pull old bulb out and pop new one in - getting the holder back in is very fiddly but do-able.

[BigYin]

Thanks everyone - much appreciated - I also really appreciate the help with 'what does the little red button do' - totally new to these motors as you can maybe tell!!

Where in Central Scotland am I? Just outside Falkirk - I was directed here by Kerrsurf (Alan) who will be helping me with the majority of the work on the Surf - but I don't want to expect him to do everything.....

[puddlesurfer]

I've had my Surf for about 6 weeks and using this forum I have learned so much about them.

BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE ON HERE

[Albannach]

I was directed here by Kerrsurf (Alan) who will be helping me with the majority of the work on the Surf - but I don't want to expect him to do everything.....

God help you...

[BigYin]

[BigYin]

Sorted! It was the advice from New Surfer that clinched it - rotate the bulb holder 90 degrees from beneath - I'd got to the bulb holder but wasn't convinced it would come out and didn't want to risk breaking it. So, done - put in a 12v 1.2w push-fit bulb I had and voila - it works!!

I broke the tab at the rear end of the gear selector cover when I initially thought I could get to the bulb from above - so since that doesn't need to lift for future bulb changes it's been araldited down.

Thanks again for your help!

[puddlesurfer]

Where in Central Scotland am I? Just outside Falkirk - I was directed here by Kerrsurf (Alan) who will be helping me with the majority of the work on the Surf - but I don't want to expect him to do everything.....

Kerrsurf is more than welcome to come and do all my maintainance (I'm only about 500 miles south of you) lol

Glad I could help, so many people have helped me on here

[Tony260Z]

yes!

Useful thread this one! Sorting out that bulb (it died a few weeks ago) was my next job. Might as well do it while the truck's off the road getting its' ATF leak fixed!