2000 996 coupe 6 speed: oil level indicator/clock

[Philip54]

The oil level indicator/clock in my car have stopped working ( no readings at all). When I bought the car, the readings were garbled and they became normal one day that I disconnected and then reconnected the battery. But the oil level indicator/clock failed completely a few day ago and disconnecting/re-connecting the battery did not help this time.

Any suggestion about what could be wrong and how to fix it?

Thanks

[texanz71]

Is it garbled or blacked out? This area of the cluster is backlit by one light bulb. Can you see the readings when you shine light on the display?

[Philip54]

It is blacked out. Using a flashlight I was able to see the oil level and read the time. Many thanks for troubleshooting the problem!

How difficult is to replace that bulb?

[texanz71]

The first time taking it out takes some patience, and took me about 30 minutes. You just have to work slowly so you don't damage any of the bezels or dash. The leather dash areas are very sensitive and many people have left permanent marks on their dash!! Do not pry against any leather surface when removing the bezels. You must be very careful between the steps of pulling the cluster out and disconnecting the harnesses. It is too easy to let it rest on the dash area in front of the steering wheel. Just remember to wrap everything in thick bath towels and use several. Do not let any piece touch the dash without two layers of towel!!

These are the best step-by-step instructions I've found

There are two types of bulbs used in the instrument cluster. You cannot find them at an autoparts store and the dealer wants to charge almost $20 each to special order them!

I ordered mine from pelicanparts.com; these are the bulbs:

1.5 Watt bulb for the larger displays (This is the one you need)

You might want to just change all 3 large display bulbs while you have the cluster removed.

1.2 Watt bulb in case you need to change any of the warning indicators

Edited August 17, 2012 by texanz71

[Philip54]

Thanks a lot. This was great information!