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Thread: Volt Gauge Bulb Replacement

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
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    Kent, WA
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    Question Volt Gauge Bulb Replacement

    My Autometer Volt Gauge bulb has apparently burned out. I can't find any info in the owners manual regarding how to do it or what the replacment bulb would be. Is this easy to do myself or is it best to take it to the dealer? Anyone out there familiar with changing this bulb?

    Any info would be appreciated!

  2. #2
    1. put parking brake on
    2. Move shifter to 1
    3. grab gauge panel on both sides and pull back and up, it sheld by two clips one on each side
    4. Twist out the bulb holder from gauge, pull bulb

    The OEM's are 161's I believe, I went with LED repalcements for mine, or you could go with a 194, 192 or 168 for more brightness (but shorter life).

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    ^^^what shakes said^^^

    The OEM bulbs are 161s; the bulbs supplied with AutoMeter aftermarket gauges are 158s.
    The Blackbird
    Trilogy #61
    Driveway Queen

    The Spruce Goose
    2004 Grand Marquis LS Limited Edition
    Daily Driver

  4. #4
    Join Date
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    Location
    Kent, WA
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    Thanks for the info. I'll give it a try.

  5. #5
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by RF Overlord
    ^^^what shakes said^^^

    The OEM bulbs are 161s; the bulbs supplied with AutoMeter aftermarket gauges are 158s.
    Are the OEM bulbs brighter than the AutoMeter aftermarket?

    In order what are some brighter bulbs than the AutoMeter aftermarket...
    I find mine are a bit too dim (aftermarket)

    Tks
    AzMarauder
    Sierra Vista, Arizona

    2003 Marauder 300A
    Black
    Trilogy Supercharger Serial # 105
    Installed 9/30/2005 - 10/6/2005

    2010 Dodge Challenger R/T
    Detonator Yellow

    1967 Ford Fairlane, 428CJ, 5spd, running dual quads.

  6. #6
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    The OEM bulbs (#161) are rated at 1 candela, with a service life of 4000 hrs. The bulbs that came with my aftermarket AutoMeter gauges (#158) have a rating of 2 candela, but only 500 hrs. The only brighter incandescent bulb with the correct voltage rating is the #168 at 3 candela, but it draws 160 mA more and may not be the best choice, especially if you have 3 or 4 gauges.

    I'm considering switching to the #194 as it draws only 30 mA more than the #158, has the same brightness, and a rated life of 2500 hrs...plus they're available everywhere.
    The Blackbird
    Trilogy #61
    Driveway Queen

    The Spruce Goose
    2004 Grand Marquis LS Limited Edition
    Daily Driver

  7. #7
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    Apr 2004
    Location
    Kent, WA
    Posts
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    well I've tried to remove the gauge pod by pulling up,out, down, sideways...etc. Doesn't want to come out! Any other advice?

  8. #8
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hotwheels
    well I've tried to remove the gauge pod by pulling up,out, down, sideways...etc. Doesn't want to come out! Any other advice?
    Shake had given the correct procedure. That thing is hard to take off though. You have to be gentle but firm. It will come off after some struggling. It is very tight fitted.

    Try imagining your working on your worst neighbor car and that you don't care !

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hotwheels
    well I've tried to remove the gauge pod by pulling up,out, down, sideways...etc. Doesn't want to come out! Any other advice?
    Pull straight down on the "wings" of the pod first. It uses those "alligator" clips and they can be tenacious. After that, rotate the pod forward and up...you just have to keep finagling it...
    The Blackbird
    Trilogy #61
    Driveway Queen

    The Spruce Goose
    2004 Grand Marquis LS Limited Edition
    Daily Driver

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    Kent, WA
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    thanks again !!!....I'm on my way out to the garage.

  11. #11

    Just an FYI...

    The stock bulbs that were in the stock Autometers in my car were 158's. Not 161's. My voltage gauge buld burned out quickly as well.

    -chris

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