How to Repair Lightning Dash Lights

Lightning dash lights are a popular after-market addition to any vehicle, but like traditional dash lights, they sometimes begin to malfunction. If the lightning dash lights on your vehicle are failing to light up properly, you could have one of three problems: either the connections to the cluster aren't wired properly, the cluster fuse is burnt out or the bulbs themselves are burnt out. You can repair any of these issues fairly quickly with the appropriate tools.

Instructions

Lightning Dash Light Fuse

1

Lift up the hood of your vehicle. Unplug the battery with a socket wrench.

2

Remove the cover from the fuse panel in the engine compartment. Locate the instrument cluster fuse. If you are unsure of its location, consult your vehicle's owner's manual.

3

Remove the fuse with a fuse remover. Install a replacement fuse and reattach the cover to the fuse panel.

4

Reconnect the battery and close the hood. If the lightning dash lights are still not working properly, the issue may be with the bulbs or the connection of the cluster.

Cluster Connection and Bulbs

5

Open the hood. Unplug the battery with a socket wrench.

6

Remove the fasteners on the instrument cluster. You may need to lower the steering wheel to have better access to the fasteners. Most vehicles use cross-head screws, but some foreign manufacturers use Torx screws. Use the appropriate tool to remove the fasteners and then pull the cluster towards you.

7

Pull the cluster's wiring connector. If it comes out or is loose at all, securely plug it in. Most vehicle's wiring connections will make a clicking noise when they are securely connected. If the lightning dash lights are still malfunctioning, the issue is with the bulbs.

8

Grip the bulbs with a paper towel and rotate them counter-clockwise and pull them out to remove them. Push replacement bulbs on the cluster into the socket and rotate them clockwise to install them. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the exact type of bulb to use.

9

Reattach the cluster and its fasteners. Reconnect the battery. Close your vehicle's hood.