I need to replace instrument lamps, in particular the indicator lamps. I need instruction on how to access them.
I'll tell you, but when you go to do it, you'll probably curse Chevrolet, your car, and me! lol!
You have to reach behind the dash. Even with the seat in the back position, you'll turn into a contortionist! Place an old couch cushion, or something similar on the ground/driveway next to the car, with the door open. Kneel on the couch cushion. Reach up under the dash, and back behind it, with your left hand, while holding onto the steering column with your right.
It's hard to describe this to someone who has never done this before. (Just think. You'll be the expert, when someone you know asks you, when you're done!)
You are feeling for a plastic bulb holder. This holder is about the size of a dime. It resembles one of a gas stove's knobs. It has a round base, and from the middle of the base, it comes up into rectangular shape. If you look at this -> T <- the base is the top of the T. Turn the T upside down, and you'll have the basic shape.
This plastic holder has the lamp bulb in it. You turn it to the RIGHT.
As you face the instrument cluster, it is turned to the Right. You just turn it one quarter turn, then it will come out.
Once you get one in your hand, you'll know why it was difficult to describe. You'll also immediately see how it turns in, and locks into place.
The bulb itself it extracted, by holding the bulb holder in your hand, bulb facing you. You push in, and turn the bulb to the Left.
It is at this point, that I advise you to wear some protective gloves of some kind. The bulb base, could be corroded down in the socket. You may exert enough force to break the bulb, and cut your fingers.
I advise Safety above ALL ELSE!
I also advise that you replace one bulb at a time.
Notice the brass metal ring around the bulb holder base?
This corrodes after time, giving a poor contact. You can take a little fine steel wool, and clean it up. Use care as the steel wool can catch, and bend the brass ring, misshaping it.
Behind the dash panel that you can't see, is a thin plastic flat strip.
Another thing hard to describe. Envision a large U shaped flat piece of plastic, on the back of your instrument housing. The U shape will be upside down, in relation to how it sits on the back of the instrument housing. It's about 1/32nd of an inch thick, and about 2 inches wide.
There are thin flat strips of copper, making a path all the way around this strip. There are holes in this strip, for the various lamp bulbs. The flat copper strips go around these holes, making a connection to the bulb holder. That's what that brass ring on the bulb holder contacts, when it's screwed in.
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The AWD data list can be used to assist in determining which type of fault is causing the AWD Disabled Lamp to illuminate.
with a scan tool, verify the above data displays are within specification.
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AWD temperature disables can be caused by an open circuit.
Using a scan tool, select the Body - Instrument Panel Cluster - Special Functions - Lamp Test mode. In the Lamp Test mode you can turn on or off the instrument panel indicators. All indicators will turn ON when commanded on and OFF when commanded off. The AWD DISABLE indicator should turn on or off as commanded.
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If the AWD DISABLE indicator is always ON or always OFF, replace the instrument cluster. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
The AWD disable lamp illuminates when one of the following conditions exists for 5 seconds:
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The PCM commands the solenoid ON and the voltage feedback remains high, B+.
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The PCM commands the solenoid OFF and the voltage feedback remains low, 0 volts. This condition is present for 3 key cycles.
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The PCM detects fluid temp is too high.
You need to have this hooked-up to a professional grade scan tool.
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