How to Replace & Upgrade Every Light/LED in the Dashboard, Clock, & Center Console - 2002 Acura TL-S

[@boblusco6845]

I try to look at KZbin videos before I try any car repairs or maintenance like replacing bulbs and this video is the best I’ve ever seen! Clear video, clear voice and all the little helpful steps to get this job done! That was awesome and will save me hours of frustration and anger doing this on my 1999 3.2 TL Thank you!

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

Thank you! I appreciate the kind words! Good luck with your TL project!

[@danield4653]

Just finished replacing all my bulbs with white leds, makes it looks great and more modern, can't thank you enough for this video it helped immensely.

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

Awesome job on the LED upgrade! Glad my video was helpful!

[@Aznrob869]

did the white leds make the dash lights, light blue?

[@chrisdozer13]

Thank you so much!! Just bought an 03 TL s type with 257k on it for 350$ and the car is actually in very good shape. Bought it from a co-worker because it had the infamous main relay problem. I k ew what the problem was when I bought it. I’m fixing all the small things now and I noticed my d5 light wasn’t illuminating so this video is just what I needed. I also followed your video for the transmission filter. Keep it up!! I need this info in my life.

[@JoseTorres-mg3mx]

Wait a minute. I have an ‘03 TL Type-S. What infamous main relay are you talking about?

[@chrisdozer13]

Jose Torres fuel relay under driver side dash

[@lexuses3942]

@@JoseTorres-mg3mx Same lol I mean what you said is what I was thinking

[@Jo-YuriLover]

I looked at the dash cluster and I didn’t see the light bulb for D5. It seems like those bulbs are embedded deep in the board. Any suggestions?

[@sangjunlee8806]

Me too. I didnt find it. I eager to know it. P R N D4 D3 . . . Are good.

[@DanielRamirez-dv5hm]

Thank you so much for all the videos! You helped me so much. God bless you always anywhere you go!

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

You are so welcome! I'm glad they have been helpful! :)

[@seancaudle-mr8rd]

i’m so glad i found this channel this is a life saver

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

Welcome! Glad you’re enjoying my videos!

[@_Bee305_]

awesome video, had done this about 7 yrs ago to an LED conversion. Just got another 2nd gen and planning on doing this. Thanks again!!

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

Congrats on the new purchase! These are truly fantastic vehicles! And I’m glad my videos have been helpful!

[@_Bee305_]

@@CarRepairsMadeSimple thanks man, love this model had to buy another

[@mickkane483]

God Australia needs this site so much detail

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

I'm glad my videos have been helpful!!

[@calzor]

4/25 I saw this great video 4/26 I mentally rehearsed taking the dash out to replace the clock bulb.

[@JH-lx6hb]

Awesome vid, super informative!!! Now I can finally change all my 03 bulbs. Thank you for making this video!

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

Thanks! I’m glad my video was helpful!

[@seanrallis6714]

Thank you SO much! Upgrading my 03 acura tl with aftermarket blue cluster lights, and this video will be a huge help

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

You’re welcome! That should be a cool upgrade! Glad my video could be helpful!

[@sangjunlee8806]

Your video awesome. If the only D Drive light out, what is problem? There is no separate bulb socket. P N D3 D2 D1 light s are no problem.

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

I missed that part accidentally. If you remove the white plastic cover on the back of the instrument cluster, you’ll see the column of #74 bulbs that constitute the gear selector lights. Thanks for watching!

[@sangjunlee8806]

Thank you so much!! I will check it.

[@sangjunlee8806]

​@@CarRepairsMadeSimple please let me know where is it. There is no bulb soket inside white back cover

[@yokonono2410]

Nice video. I’ve never seen this procedure explained so well. I have a 1998 Acura RL would the procedure be the same and if so what would the bulb numbers be

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

Although this video primarily pertains the TL’s and Accords, my guess is the process getting to the various components and bulbs would be different but similar. Everything is simply held in by clips and Phillips screws. However, a quick look at your vehicle on the parts website tells me the actual bulbs themselves are probably different. I would recommend searching the various Acura forum pages for more information.

[@MartinFuentes126]

Very helpful video it just may be another project for my gfs 99 tl. Can all or some of these bulbs be replaced with LEDs??

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

they all certainly could! check out the description for all the bulb sizes!

[@MartinFuentes126]

@@CarRepairsMadeSimple awesome thank u sir 🤘

[@lexuses3942]

Dude you’re awesome. You really know this car well! I just bought one 2 days ago so naturally…here I am 😂 I’m doing all my bulbs too but I actually came to this one hoping to see why both visor lights are out. Think it’s a fuse?

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

There’s a single fuse that controls all the interior lighting. So if the dome light and door courtesy lights are working, it’s not the fuse. Also keep in mind the headlights need to be on for the visor lights to work.

[@lexuses3942]

@@CarRepairsMadeSimple Really?! The head lights have to be on? lol well now I’m going to try that immediately

[@lexuses3942]

@@CarRepairsMadeSimple Otherwise both visor lights are out

[@1moussy]

Very useful video. I already replaced bulbs several years ago but needed a refresher on how it comes apart to swap out a fog light switch that might be defective. Also wanted to ask if there is a video on how to rewire the fog light system so it can turn on independent of the high and low beams regardless if they are on or off.

[@diegoblanco8571]

Thanks Kermit 😂😂😂

[@derindaniel334]

What LEDs would you recommend for the Acura MDX 2002. Amazing video, subscribed.

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

I personally haven't tried any aftermarket LED's for the dash, but you could try superbrightleds.com, they're a quality brand name company I've gotten other LED's from in the past. Otherwise, you could go on eBay and look for something that has a lot of sales and a good seller review rating. Thanks for subscribing!

[@yokonono2410]

One more question what about the lights in the doors can they be replaced

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

Yes! The lights in the doors can be replaced as well. I have converted those to LED

[@warrior2pose]

Great video! I'm replacing all OEM lights with LEDs on my '03 Acura TL-S (325K miles & original owner) and I can't thank you enough for this video. Is there a way to test whether the new bulbs light up without reconnecting all the cables? Perhaps by using a test light or multimeter? It may save me some time.

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

I’m glad my video was helpful! I wish there was a way to test the bulbs, but I have heard of no such thing. But I suppose with all the panels off, it wouldn’t be too hard to connect and disconnect the wires for testing the lights.

[@bluegalindez]

Thanks for making this vid. Do they make l.e.d replacement bulbs for all??

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

They do! The bulb sizes are all the same as well, just search for LED instead of halogen

[@Flaming360Spider]

What was the cost of all of those bulbs together?

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

I got a pack of 50 #74 bulbs for $10 on eBay, then each of the neo wedge t3 bulbs in the switches are about $5 each.

[@JG2HTT]

I have a 2002 just like yours, same color and model.

[@JG2HTT]

In replacing those bulbs can you use LED bulbs. And if so will that require any inline resistors?

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

You could use leds! And I don’t think you would need to use a resistor. I’ve put leds in other parts of my car including the trunk, courtesy door lights, map lights, and the dome light with no issues.

[@jorgelugo1630]

Hey man that was very helpful but I put led lights to the dashboard and for some reason the D5 on the dashboard light doesn't turne on I don't know why

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

If it’s still an old bulb lighting up the D5, it’s possible it could have gone out during the process of putting the new LEDs in. If you put LEDs in there too, perhaps it’s a defective bulb or installed improperly. Try switching the D4 and D5 lights around and see if the problem follows.

[@othreetl]

Excellent video man! 😎🤙

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

Dizzle03 thank you! I’m glad it could be helpful!

[@othreetl]

About to do this with my 03 TL, but ive always liked the red dashes in the acura rsx's so i think im gonna do red LED's in mine. But this video made it look very manageable.

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

Dizzle03 yah it’s definitely a job most people could do! Good luck with the LED upgrade!

[@semajin_booh97]

Do you know if its the same process with a 1997 Acura 3.2TL

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

It should be extremely similar. Everything is simply held in by clips and screws. The bulb sizes might be different, but you can confirm this by going onto any Acura parts website

[@Akajojo22]

What size for gear selector bulb? And do they have colored ones for those

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

It is a 74 bulb, and I believe it can alternatively be called a T5 led. You can certainly find them in different colors on Amazon and eBay!

[@Akajojo22]

@@CarRepairsMadeSimple thank u!

[@joseguevara408]

Hello, thank you for this informative video, I have a question, is possible to install LED for fog lights? I tried once but my “small light” fuse on 03 kept burning.

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

It should be possible. I used to have HIDs in my fog lights and those use even more power

[@joseguevara408]

@@CarRepairsMadeSimple Hello, I have another question do you happen to know what type of bulb do the sunvisors have?

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

@@joseguevara408 According to lightinglab.org, you'll need a 6612F bulb. Otherwise, the OEM part number is 34273-S84-A01.

[@seandaley1339]

My wife has an 2002 TL, what do you mean by change upgrade install remove light halogen bulb lightbulb LED dashboard dash T3 T4 74 #74 194 #194​ socket speedometer tachometer fuel gauge temperature gauge meter components instrument panel garnish night time illumination illuminate glove box glovebox white green? There's less bulbs, or they're different?

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

what you copy and pasted at the bottom of the description are just key words related to the video to draw in more viewers. There are multiple different sized bulbs, some of them being different colors, as mentioned n the rest of the description.

[@seandaley1339]

@@CarRepairsMadeSimple Ok, I guess I'm referring to the qty of bulbs, so I order the right amount. I have T3= 21 bulbs T4= 6 bulbs 74= 38 bulbs, I think that's right based on my interpretation of your video. Good video btw

[@oreally8605]

How much did all the 27 bulbs 💡 cost together?

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

@@oreally8605 the #74 bulbs, whether halogen or led, can be bought on eBay/Amazon for $5-10. As for the T3/T4 neo-wedge bulbs, I recommend sticking with OEM. They’re $6 per bulb if bought brand new from Honda/Acura, but you could instead find the bulb on the part website, look at the vehicle fitment tab to see which vehicles you can find them in, and find them in a junkyard where you’ll get them for pennies on the dollar.

[@bandweenienfriends]

Thanks Kermit!

[@sawyersengel3044]

This is the same process on a 2000 Acura tl right ?

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

A 2000 is also a second generation TL, so I imagine it should be exactly the same

[@iancoran6343]

Is it a sign I need new bulbs if my odometer/trip mileage/outside temp/door open readout looks like a solar powered calculator that's been sitting in a drawer? Google isn't understanding my question.

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

I would say yes. There are multiple bulbs that work together to create the backlighting of the meter components. So if one or two bulbs are out, there will be dim spots here and there. Otherwise, it’s been know that a little circuit panel can go bad. Part number 78147-S0K-A01

[@Flaming360Spider]

Is there a bulb for the radio to see it at night time?

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

There probably is, but radios are built to be very complicated anti-theft devices that are both difficult to remove from the vehicle and difficult to disassemble, so there are no listed replacement parts.

[@stevengomez73]

Is this all the same for the base model TL?

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

Unless you have the navigation system, then yes! It should be exactly the same as shown in this video. Even with the navigation, it would be very similar.

[@jayy.cls6]

Any updates on the LEDs??? I wanna swap mine but dont want to have to deal with replacing them anytime again soon...

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

I personally did not use LEDs, but so far the replacement halogens are all working perfectly since I did this. You can find all the bulb sizes in the description and find the led forms of these bulbs on Amazon or eBay

[@2003AcuraTL]

Where do you get the instrument cluster bulbs, I have to buy new ones for my 03 Tl and the ones Im trying to find are hard to find!

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

I got mine on eBay. Just type in #74 halogen bulb and a bunch of options will come up. You could also try LEDs if you wanted too. Just make sure to order at least 38 so you can change them all

[@2003AcuraTL]

Ok thanks bro

[@JenniferLane-v4v]

I have a 03 CL Type S and I am trying to change all the bulbs in the dashboard.. are they all the same as in this video? I looked at the diagrams on the website and it’s really confusing because it doesn’t say T3 or T4 it says stuff like 14v40ma or 14v60ma and some say neo-wedge and some don’t…

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

Yah they’re all the same bulbs. All the bulbs in the switches are most likely T3, and the bulbs in the dashboard components are T4 or #74 bulbs. Careful with aftermarket neo wedge halogen bulbs, they tend to be cheap and the plastic on mine melted. Otherwise go for OEM or LED replacements.

[@JenniferLane-v4v]

@@CarRepairsMadeSimple yeah I want to replace the ones in the meter component part with LEDs and the rest with OEM ones I was just confused at how many of each I need to order and where exactly to put them..

[@jayvin2209]

i have a 2000 acura tl and after removing this, half of the lights are off. for example the tcs lights work but the cruise control doesnt, the select button lights up but the reset button doesnt, even the temperature lcd is only half lit. do you think this is a blown fuse or i just need to press my connections in more?

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

As mentioned at 1:09, for whatever reason, if you replace only a few bulbs, that may cause other bulbs to go out as well. This is why I recommend replacing all of the bulbs so you only have to do the job once. You should also disconnect the battery if you remove the meter components.

[@naimshafeek2687]

Help me out. I want to update my 1999 tl, making the backlight on all the panels white or blue, except the warning red, green and yellow ones. Which will be the number bulb I have to buy? 74?

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

Yes if you’re referring to just the dashboard meter components as shown as 12:47, all the bulbs are a #74, and I believe are alternatively called a T5 LED. You can easily find these on Amazon and eBay!

[@naimshafeek2687]

@@CarRepairsMadeSimple okay, and if I wish to change the entire car backlight tone? Do you know the numbers of the other ones? Except as I said the yellow, green and red warning ones

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

@@naimshafeek2687 Oh, sorry, I didn't understand what you meant by backlight. All bulb sizes replaced in this video are in the description. Otherwise, here are a couple links that give a list of all other bulb sizes throughout the vehicles. Let me know if this still doesn't answer your question. www.modifiedlife.com/1999-acura-3-2tl-headlight-light-bulb-sizes/ www.lightbulbs.com/automotive/1999-acura-tl-replacement-light-bulbs

[@naimshafeek2687]

@@CarRepairsMadeSimple sorry my english is a bit bad, we speak mostly spanish. What i mean is to change the interior button lights and cluster, clock, etc. For the car to look more modern

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

@@naimshafeek2687 All of the physical buttons use a T3 neo wedge bulb. The clock and AC buttons use a T4 neo wedge. So if you bought a 10 pack of each, you should be good. There’s more detailed information in the video description.

[@charlesescarria3726]

Why would you put your trim bezel face down on the concrete? 🤦‍♂️

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

Yah I see what you’re saying, but don’t worry, it didn’t get scratched

[@Ronniejamesleo]

It's not like you will find many in a junkyard to replace something and finding OEM parts for it is pretty hard. I've only seen one Acura tl and one cl at another boneyard. That's it!

[@stronghand9382]

So what bulbs do I need specifically for the gauge cluster only?

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

13:40 you need #74 halogen bulbs

[@stronghand9382]

@@CarRepairsMadeSimple anyway to do/use leds?

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

@@stronghand9382 oh absolutely, there’s a ton of options on eBay, it’s the same bulb size, #74 led, and they have pretty much every color. I don’t have any experience with leds for this application, so I can’t recommend a specific product.

[@stronghand9382]

@@CarRepairsMadeSimple how many #74 for the cluster only?

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

@@stronghand9382 A bag of 50 would cover everything

[@tylegend8177]

Do a tutorial on how to add an aftermarket stereo

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

Thanks for the video suggestion!

[@theunknown1603]

How can I replace the gear selector blubs on the cluster? My D light blub not working, can't tell if flashing or not . Any suggestions

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

I'm pretty sure those are #74 bulbs too, just like the rest of the bulbs on the back of the meter components. The entire white back cover needs to be removed to reveal more bulbs. Looks like it's only held on by a few clips. 13:26 shows one of those clips on the outer edge. Also based on the diagram at 3:25, you may also need to remove the Combination Print Panel beneath that as well. Probably just held in by a couple simple clips.

[@Jostar392]

got any good links for led bulbs? love the video btw

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

I haven't tried using any LED's in the dashboard, so I don't have any exact recommendations, but I got some LED's off eBay years ago for pretty cheap to put in the dome lights and doors and they worked very good!

[@Jostar392]

@@CarRepairsMadeSimple thank you !

[@rebecafranco7075]

Hi my gear shifter lights went out and on my dashboard I got all my lights working except the D5. Do I need to replace all the bulbs? And if I have to replace them all, how much should I be charged for the work? I have no idea and a lot of times mechanics want to charge me more than what the work is worth… I hope I explain my self correctly. Thank you ☺️

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

Yah I would recommend replacing all of them. They’re all old bulbs and since a few of them have already gone out, the rest can’t be too far behind. To change all the bulbs in the dash and the shifter bulb my guess would be 2-3 hours of labor, which at a Honda dealership is over $100/hr. So expect to pay a couple hundred dollars. Also, you can get a 50 pack of these bulbs on eBay for super cheap. Check out the description in this video for more info

[@rebecafranco7075]

@@CarRepairsMadeSimple so all the bulbs are the same?

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

@@rebecafranco7075 yup all the bulbs are a #74 bulb around the meter components

[@alpha42069]

thanks dawg

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching

[@frankrodriguez2857]

There’s a bulb that I cannot remove. It is in the instrument cluster near the “1”gear light. When removing the instrument cluster there is no way on pulling out that bulb and it has no socket to pull out either.

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

Perhaps the entire white back cover needs to be removed to reveal more bulbs. Looks like it's only held on by a few clips. 13:26 shows one of those clips on the outer edge.

[@Vo929]

My speedometer is stuck at 5 after taking it out. Help!

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

Is it possible one of the connections isn't fully seated? I remember them being somewhat difficult to both remove and install. You need to make sure you hear a click from each of the connectors when putting them back in.

[@inessmar7928]

Hey can you help I have this same car, and my right headlight won’t turn on and it’s not the bulb... 😭

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

Well there are 4 main components for the headlight: the fuses, bulb, igniter, and the ballast. First check the fuse for the right headlight, most likely located in the fuse box under the hood passenger side. Otherwise, if you’re certain it’s not the bulb, odds are it’s most likely the ballast. If you have the time and ability, you could switch components out from the other headlight to determine the culprit. You can find great oem junkyard parts for cheap on eBay. Here are the part numbers: www.acurapartsforless.com/v-2002-acura-tl--type-s--3-2l-v6-gas/electrical-exhaust-heater-fuel--headlight-02-03

[@stronghand9382]

Probably the ballast went bad

[@NadeemKhan-oe7uk]

Great Video Sir Can you post total number of bulbs used, by type please?

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

T3 Neo wedge - (x8 white, x2 green, x2 blue, x4 orange) T4 Neo wedge - (x6) #74 - (x38) #194 - (x2)

[@ivonneriveraalswager4865]

I need to do that to my car.

[@PlatinumG]

Good video but @04:41 you always disconnect the negative not the positive!!! And you wait about 5-10 minutes after!! Then you can begin working with anything electrical on a car!!

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

You are correct, my mistake. Disconnect the negative cable first and reconnect it last.

[@nalee1]

You don’t need to wait you can just turn your head lights on to drain any stored electricity

[@msmawusi]

Would've helped to show how to actually pull the old 74 bulbs out of the bulb casing and put in the new 74 bulbs without breaking them.

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

Sorry to hear that. I just used my bare hands. I’ve never heard of them being so stuck that they broke in the process of removing them.

[@msmawusi]

@@CarRepairsMadeSimple yeah, but I found a tool and figured it out.

[@maseomaddengoat]

Is the check engine light bulb the same?

[@CarRepairsMadeSimple]

yup the check engine light is a #74 bulb just like the rest of the meter components