PLease advise if the lights that illuminate the dash board are plug in bulbs that I can replace or is it more involved then that. (i.e. hard wired)

THanks

I just noticed i did not indicate car model. 1973 dart.

most of them you can get to by reaching under the dash and twisting out the plug and bulb come out together (I would recomend getting new plugs and bulbs and replaceing them all at once then you wont have to worry about them for a while) someone on here might have a pic of the rear of the dash so you can see what your reaching for

They're pretty easy, just a 1/4 turn bulb-holder that, uh, holds the bulb to the circuit board and makes the electrical connections. Replacing the bulbs is not hard at all. New holders are commonly available.
Now, getting access to the back of the instrument panel itself can be interesting, with AC venting, back problems, shadows, etc.

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"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

Roadrunner beat me to the punch, posting while I was on the phone!

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"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

sorry bout dat

If I remember correctly, the manual recommends that you use you left hand to reach up and remove the sockets while facing the dash, and that always worked well for me on my '73. Remove your watch and rings 1st.

The sockets are delicate and the ears on them break easily.

If more than one bulb is burnt out, and/or the failed bulbs are not at or near the centre of the instrument cluster, I find it easier just to go ahead and remove the instrument cluster whole and then go through and replace all the bulbs. Less chance of breaking sockets, scraping knuckles, causing short circuits under the dash, etc.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

just cuz I can see this being the next question how do you remove the cluster

If you can get to them without pulling the cluster, I would recommend doing it that way.
My method involves chalking the wheels, disconnecting the battery, putting the shift lever in Low, dropping the column, pulling all the screws out, and then gingerly removing the brittle piece of plastic that comprises the cluster. It will break at the column if treated roughly.
Disconnect the ammeter wires and light switch connector, disconnect the two plug in connectors fitted to the board, and the wiper switch. Remove the speedometer cable.

Now it can come out if you tilt it just so, and make sure you have enough clearance on the steering column. If not, the little piece of plastic that breaks off will haunt you as you drive down the road from this point until you find a new cluster that the wrecking yard guy will break when he pulls it for you.

It's a pain for a couple of bulbs. If you can reach them, do so carefully.

A couple of years ago I drove around with a mini-mag light rather than deal with pulling the cluster. Not the best way to do it, but I fit in with the farmers out here.

CJ
74 Valiant

PS: Quick! Somebody post a better way to do this!

dashboard lights.... remember Meatloaf..... that was a long song compared to most classic rock tunes..... good story though!