Church

Hey all!

Just tonight I had to drive to the local store and when I turned on my lights everything on my dashboard lit up except for my gear lights (P, R, N, D, 3, 2, 1).

So just to preface, I suck at electrical issues like this so aside from it being a loose wire, could it be a fuse? I tried banging it a little to see if maybe the "loose wire" would at least flicker but thats about the extent of me trying to diagnose the problem lol.

Any ideas? I'm hoping this is an easy fix, even though its just more of an annoyance to me than anything.

Thanks!

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Tully Mars

The little light bulb behind the shift indicator is brunt.

What year, make and model?

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Church

Thanks for your reply!

Its in the title but I'll put it here too. 2001 Chevy Cav 2 dr. Hopefully its something thats not too difficult to fix!

Thanks

__________________
Through counter-intelligence, it should be possible to pinpoint potential trouble makers, and neutralize them.

Tully Mars

Sorry little slow tonight, moons got me running on two cylinders. Let me get my tech manual out.

Give me a minute?

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I used to drink to drown my sorrows, but the damned things have learned how to swim- Frida Kahlo

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Church

haha sure, no worries. Thanks again Tully

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Through counter-intelligence, it should be possible to pinpoint potential trouble makers, and neutralize them.

Tully Mars

Okay, here's what I got.

I'm assuming you have a 2001 Cavalier Base FWD 2-Dr Coupe L4?

The shift indicator is located in the center of the dash above the steering column?

If all this is true the first thing you're going to need to do is locate the light socket from behind the dash. You should be able to reach the socket by basically pushing aside the wiring harness and feeling around until feel it. If your vehicle has a knee guard you'll likely have to remove it to reach the dash back. This is usually two Phillip head screws on either side of the column. Once you find it it will be a round hard plastic socket with two wires (likely one black and one red) coming out of it. You'll need to turn it counter clockwise about half a turn, it's possible you might have to push in a little while turning. It will then pull out, might take a little tug. Once you have the light take it down to your local Napa, Shucks et el and they'll be able to sell you a new one. Should be less then $2.

Keep in mind this may sound more difficult then it actually is and if you have trouble locating it try laying on your back down by the control peddles and use a small flash light to see the back of the dash. You should be able to see what goes where, this will give you a better idea of the layout.

Also if you run into trouble your local autoparts store is a good source for info, I've had very good luck with Napa.

Best of luck, let me know how it goes.

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kinsaj

I second Tully. If it was a fuse, you would likely lose the whole dash. Not familiar with that particular model but nothing sounds wrong from what he described. Good luck.

Just remember if you feel a funny zapping feeling, you are likely doing something wrong... likely not using a big enough hammer.

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souzafone

The bulb and socket are one piece, and probably not available aftermarket. They are identified by a number inked on the bulb, e.g. pc194, and the color of the socket. Don't just get one that fits, too much candle power can melt the cluster lens. Go to a large GM dealer and they should have them. If you have difficulty finding one, pretend you're lost and make your way to the parts counter the dealers techs use. Clusters are rebuilt for GM and the parts guys always grab a few bulbs before sending them out.

Tully Mars

After a few e-mails and some messenger it turns out it not in the dash. It's in the center console. I couldn't tell from e-mailed pix how to get the console apart.

I suspect a couple screws under pop outs, possibly in the cup holder.

Any knowledge on this model?

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I used to drink to drown my sorrows, but the damned things have learned how to swim- Frida Kahlo

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souzafone

Sorry I don't know how the console comes apart. I should have realized the indicator was there, it's been awhile since a Cavalier shifted on the column. The good news i's that it'll be a more conventional bulb, a 168 I believe, but the same precaution holds for candlepower. Don't use a 194. Here's a thought---if the shift handle is one piece with the boot, there should be a horse shoe shaped clip holding the knob on. That may be the only thing holding everything in place. If it's a knob on top of a visible chrome lever forget that advice. Good luck.

Scorps

I never notice if a light is burnt out on my Car or Truck...mostly because the needle doesn't move I have to guess what gear im in :P

Maybe I should fix that.

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