FIX for Outside Temp Display

[Andrew Lundy]

I finally got around to replacing the bulb in my outside temperature
display.  The unit was out of a '94 90.  Worked great...now I can see the
temp at night!!  Here's a little write-up about it!!

Tools Needed:

Phillips Screwdriver
Small Phillips Screwdriver
Soldering Iron
Radio Shack Micro Bulb (#272-1092C)


Procedure:

1) Remove Instrument Cluster.  This can be done in two simple steps.  First,
remove the top portion of the steering column cover by removing the two
screws that come up from the lower section.  Once the cover is removed two
screws will be revealed that hold in the instrument cluster.  Remove these
screws and carefully withdraw the instrument cluster making sure to
disconnect all the wiring harnesses attached to the rear of the cluster.

2) Once the instrument cluster is out remove the outside temperature
display.  You will have to remove four small screws; two are used to hold in
the display unit itself and two more are used to hold down the wiring
harness.

3) The next step is to pull the outside temperature display apart.  There
are two small screws in the back of the unit as well as electrical tape
wrapped around the seam.  Remove the two screws and take the tape off.
After this is done the unit can easily be pulled apart.  BEFORE pulling the
unit apart be sure that the plastic white tabs at the front of the unit are
facing up.  Once apart the bulb is apparent...it sits in the middle of the
circuit board!!

4)  After pulling the unit apart put the plastic case to the side (making
sure to keep the white tabs up).  Now you have to slide the plastic rear
cover away from the circuit board.  Take your time and slide the rear of the
case along the wires so that you can get your soldering iron to the circuit
board.

5) Remove the old bulb.  I was able to do this by heating up the solder on
the bulb connections while pulling the bulb away from the board.  (This
would be much easier with three hands)  I just switched back and forth
between the two connections and after a few minutes the bulb pulled out.

6) Install the new Radio Shack micro lamp.  I used the same "alternating
heat" process to install the new bulb.

7) Once the new bulb is in, reassemble the display unit.  Assembly is the
reverse of disassembly.  Note:  There is no need to re-wrap the seam with
electrical tape.

The above procedure took me a total of 45 minutes.  That's it......you will
now know the temperature even when it's dark out!!

Disclaimer:  This write-up was used to repair the outside temperature
display in my '90 80q (installed from a '94 90).  I know that the same
display unit was used up to the '95 90's.  The procedure outlined below is
for the 80/90 models.  It may work on other models but there could be slight
differences.  This information is provided as an aid to work by and in no
way is a guarantee of positive results.  Use at your own risk!!
---
Andrew Lundy
fast928 at prodigy.net
90 80q
91 90
95 90q