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Post by OldsMike on Jan 21, 2005 20:44:56 GMT -6
One thing that needs repair on my 99' is the console indicator. It doesn't light up properly, lights up infrequently about 1% of the time. Any tips for removing the trim plate or anyone who has made this repair before? Thanks in advance!
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Post by JimW on Jan 22, 2005 0:56:16 GMT -6
Its really tricky. You need to first remove the gear shifter with a flathead screwdriver. Feel on the front side (facing the ashtray door) for a small slot, I have never done this but apparently you insert the screwdriver and it should release a tab that lifts off the shifter. Be careful the wires for the PowerTrans button is in there. Disconnect the wire harness and toss the shifter aside. Next, empty the contents of your center console and locate 4 screws in the bottom, and two on the top near the back, then open the ashtray cover, and remove the screw in there. That will allow you to lift off the wood panel and access the gear shift indicator light. This is a typical problem on ALL Classic Auroras, in my car, the plastic housing is broken and the bulb bracket simply falls down and hangs. I've tried twice and the dealer has tried twice to rig it up using electrical tape and plastic weld to keep that bracket upright....never works, or it works for a few weeks then fails. Usually the bulb is fine, its the plastic housing. Either way, hopefully you have more success then me, I've given up on it.  |
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scottydl
Super Moderator 
There's nothin' like an American V-8...
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Post by scottydl on Jan 24, 2005 9:30:46 GMT -6
Ha, I was just discussing this problem in another thread. My '99 has this problem too, but I have replaced the bulb to no avail. My plastic housing was okay; I think the problem is that the previous owner apparently felt she had to repeatedly spill coffee all over the center console and screw up the wiring within.  If you do want to try and replace your bulb, I was able to do with *without* removing the shifter and trim. Go in through the center console, as Jim mentioned, removing the 4-6 screws of the storage bin. (Be careful not to drop any down the rear AC/heat vents as I did :  With the bin removed, you can see IN and FORWARD to the area under the shifter that must be reached. With the ignition key on and parking brake fully engaged, shift down into 1st or 2nd gear (which will bring the shifter and attached light housing closer to you). If your hands are small enough, you can reach forward and find the housing with your fingers... remove it and pull out the bulb. This too must be done blind, as the harness wiring will not allow it to be pulled all the way out. Test the new bulb and reverse the whole process to put it back together. I might still see if I can eventually get my extended warranty to pay for new wiring on mine, or I may just not mess with it. I'm used to not having the light at this point. Good luck! |
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With the bin removed, you can see IN and FORWARD to the area under the shifter that must be reached. With the ignition key on and parking brake fully engaged, shift down into 1st or 2nd gear (which will bring the shifter and attached light housing closer to you). If your hands are small enough, you can reach forward and find the housing with your fingers... remove it and pull out the bulb. This too must be done blind, as the harness wiring will not allow it to be pulled all the way out. Test the new bulb and reverse the whole process to put it back together.