Changing Dash Lights on 2001 Saturn SC2?

Question

Hi there... Has anyone changed light bulbs on in the dash on a 2001 Saturn SC2 before? The light bulb behind my fuel indicator and left side of my speedometer is out and I would like to replace it, but any advice or assistance from someone who has done this repair would be helpful! Thank you all, in advance...

Answer 1

Not recommended as a self-job.

Unless Saturns are THAT different, it's a 2.5-3 hours jobs for a pro, double that at least for amateurs. It involves taking apart the entire dash and removing it, as the bulb(s) are buried deep within the dash well, and is directed via some optical fiber to the panel. If you open it, you may as well replace BOTH bulbs. The bulbs ain't cheap ($10 each?), and labor will cost even more. I think dealer charges $250-300 to fix that problem. Had it happen on a Ford before. And that baby has digital dash, so no light = nothing at all. :P

Unless you're really handy, I'd let the dealer do this one.

Answer 2

I own a 2001 Saturn SC2 Coupe and I have replaced two of the dash lights. It does NOT require removing the entire dashboard. It does require removing the shroud that encloses the ignition switch, headlight / turn signal switch, and windshield wiper actuator.

You will then find "two", screws on each side of the instrument panel assembly. Remove them being careful not to drop them. After that, use a flashlight and you will see several vertical plastic assemblies holding the top of the panel to the dash. Look closely and you will see what looks like a thin piece of horizontal metal. Those are retaining tabs. Using a very thin blade flat head screw driver, pry them upward. About a quarter of an inch.

You will now be able to pull the panel out several inches. On the left hand side, you will see the wiring harness. Release the retainer and wiggle out the harness.

Now you will find a piece of cardboard on the back. It simple pops out by flexing it in the middle.

You will not need a small blade flat hear screw driver to remove the lamps. They turn counter clock wise to remove.

I have the GM Service literature for my vehicle. It took me about an hour to do the job.

Answer 3

i own a repair shop and i have done it a few times on these ,you have to remove the dash in it to get to them,that's the worst part of it,other than that its an easy job,you,ll have to be really careful and remove the screws that hold the trim on that goes around the dash,and then remove it,and disconnect any wires that it may have connected to it,and then remove the screws that hold the main dash unit in,and once it comes out so far unplug the harness from the back of it,and then replace the bulb,id look it over real good check all the bulbs,any bulb that has a blackish tint to it,is going to blow on you,so id replace all that look bad while i had it out of there good luck with it,i hope this helps.

Answer 4

Military Grade Tactical Flashlight - http://FlashLight.uzaev.com/?UlHG

Answer 5

o2 sensor or perhaps workstation. Take it to Saturn broking. do not take it to GM. They make it yet they don't fix them. My buddy has one and took it to a GM broking they had to deliver it to Saturn one hundred miles away to be fixed.

Answer 6

i dont know how everyone says this takes a couple hours, but i have done it in about 20 minutes, and i am not a mechanic.. i just like to work on cars in my driveway..