Automatic Transmission Indicator "D" light blown out

[sodamark]

When shifting gears my I noticed that all the gear indicator lights are working except for "D". P,R,N, etc. all light up when shifting the transmission, but the "D" indicator light does not seem to be working. Are there separate bulbs for each position of the gear shifter? Will the entire dash need to be removed to get at these lights? Or is there a easier way? I presume I am at risk for introducing new squeeks? Or not?

[RockyMtnRay]

Originally Posted by sodamark

When shifting gears my I noticed that all the gear indicator lights are working except for "D". P,R,N, etc. all light up when shifting the transmission, but the "D" indicator light does not seem to be working. Are there separate bulbs for each position of the gear shifter? Will the entire dash need to be removed to get at these lights? Or is there a easier way? I presume I am at risk for introducing new squeeks? Or not?

Yes, there are separate bulbs for each position. They're a specialty bulb only available from the dealer. Yes, you have to remove the instrument cluster to replace the bulb. Do a search on "drive light"...you will find several posts wtih detailed instructions and some pictures of a replacement on a Tundra (very similar to the Sequoia). Working carefully, it'll probably take you an hour or two to replace the bulb. Or you can take it to the dealer but expect to pay around $150 for them to do it (mostly labor charge).

[pastorbrad]

Mine, too, and I can live with a blown lamp for those kind of prices.

[sodamark]

OK. It apparently is not an uncommon occurance then. So far, my wife who drives the Sequoia the most seems to be ok with it. Hopefully no others will blow out. Wow! $150, yikes. But, if it is a couple hours, I guess it makes sense it costs that much.

I appreciate the advice, and will probably wait it out until it gets real annoying. We still have a warranty on electronics and electrical, but I'm doubtful it covers blown lamps. Plus the $100 deductible. Thanks again! I'll do some more searching on the forum.

[Joe]

Originally Posted by RockyMtnRay

Yes, there are separate bulbs for each position. They're a specialty bulb only available from the dealer. Yes, you have to remove the instrument cluster to replace the bulb. Do a search on "drive light"...you will find several posts wtih detailed instructions and some pictures of a replacement on a Tundra (very similar to the Sequoia). Working carefully, it'll probably take you an hour or two to replace the bulb. Or you can take it to the dealer but expect to pay around $150 for them to do it (mostly labor charge).

A couple of hours? That's probably a guesstament on your part as I've replaced bulbs on our '01 Sequoia on two separate occasions - neither time took over 20 minutes and I'm not a mechanic either.

You'll probably have to order the bulbs as most dealers don't stock them - order a couple as it'll save time next time.

[Heaterswa]

Our "D" light went out about a month ago. It would be nice to hear some details on how to replace these bulbs from someone who has done it.

-Bryan

[Joe]

Originally Posted by Heaterswa

Our "D" light went out about a month ago. It would be nice to hear some details on how to replace these bulbs from someone who has done it.

-Bryan

Ha, sounds like you want a reply from me. Looking at the panel you'll see two screws on the top lip of the black plastic molding - remove those and pull the black plastic molding off from around the panel. The molding is held in by expandable metal/plastic plugs. The right hand side of the molding can be a little stubborn, and if you find yours to be stubborn, just take out the screw in the panel located under the ignition switch (you can take out the two screws located under the ignition switch if you need a little more flex for that side of the panel, as it assists in holding in the molding.) and it will make it a little easier. Once the molding is off you'll see a couple more screws holding the panel in (I think there’s 4 – located at each corner) - remove those and the panel will come out as far as the harness will let it - Tip the top of the panel forward as it'll come out and go in easier that way. You might have to gently tug on the panel a little to get the wiring harness to "stretch" enough to get your hand back there to unplug the 4 sockets. They will usually have a release on one side that has to be depressed as you pull straight back on the plug/socket. Once all 4 have been unattached you can locate and replace the burned bulb. I would suggest that you test it once you replace the bulb and reconnect the harness (before securing the panel with the 4 screws) just to make sure you replaced the right bulb. That’s it and it is a very simple and quick job. In winter months you have to warm up the interior, otherwise that plastic has a tendency to break/crack etc. If you have a few squeaks in the dash/panel area you can put a little foam, cloth etc between the molding and the dash area prior to putting back the top two screws and it should fix the squeaks – at least it did mine. I’ve also had to replace two bulbs in my overhead console – the one above the rear-view mirror. That’s a 10-minute job as it’s much easier – no molding. I have spare bulbs for both the overhead and instrument panels – they are different – I only have one part number but I think it’s for the instrument panel and it’s 90011-11038. I have an advanced stage of CRS (Can’t Remember ****) so double check that part number.

[marshdale]

Joe is correct; changing this bulb does not take that long.

About three months ago, I replaced the "D" light on my 2000 Tundra, and it turned out to be a pretty easy job. The whole process took approximately 45 minutes. The part number from Toyota is 83120-60020, and it cost $8.37 (not including tax). That's a lot for a bulb, but I could only find it at the dealer.

So here's is the process:

1. Remove the two screws from the top of the black instrument bezel using a stubby #2 Phillips head screwdriver.

2. Remove the four 10 mm bolts holding the plastic panel located below the steering column; the panel then pulls out with a little care and resistance. The hood release cable/handle will still be attached, but that is okay. This panel has to be removed as it overlaps the bottom, right hand side of the black instrument bezel.

3. Remove the plastic housing from around the steering column. There is one screw on the bottom along with two screws that are only accessible when the steering wheel is in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions. You have to carefully snap the two sections apart to remove. (You may be able to skip this step, but it did provide additional clearance when I removed the instrument cluster as described below.)

4. Pull out the black plastic instrument bezel. You need to put the gear shifter in the "L" position to allow enough clearance.

5. Remove the four screws holding the instrument cluster in place. As you pull out the cluster, there are four wiring harnesses on the back side that are surprisingly easy to unclip.

6. Now pull the cluster all the way out. There are seven bulbs in a row that correspond to P, R, N, D, 2, L and OD Off, so the middle bulb is the "D" bulb. The bulb is removed from the back side of the instrument cluster by inserting a very small slotted screwdriver into it and turning about 1/4 turn CCW.

7. Put in the new bulb and reinstall everything in the reverse order stated above.

Good Luck!

[Joe]

Originally Posted by marshdale

Joe is correct; changing this bulb does not take that long.

2. Remove the four 10 mm bolts holding the plastic panel located below the steering column; the panel then pulls out with a little care and resistance. The hood release cable/handle will still be attached, but that is okay. This panel has to be removed as it overlaps the bottom, right hand side of the black instrument bezel.

3. Remove the plastic housing from around the steering column. There is one screw on the bottom along with two screws that are only accessible when the steering wheel is in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions. You have to carefully snap the two sections apart to remove. (You may be able to skip this step, but it did provide additional clearance when I removed the instrument cluster as described below.)Good Luck!

This is probably the "correct" method but I just removed the screw below the ignition and pulled the panel away from the ignition switch to get the "bezel" off - I guess you could call it a shortcut.

I only paid a couple bucks for my bulb. Here's a site you can order from or the dealer can order them also. https://www.1sttoyotaparts.com/partscat.html
I checked my part number and it is probably for the overhead console? - Your part number comes back for the instrument panel.

[sodamark]

Thanks again. This is a great help! Mark

[BlackLTD]

Thanks for all the info. I was able to change the bulb out in about 15 minutes. My only problem came after all got it all apart, I realized the dealer ordered the wrong bulb! It was the bulb for the bigger lights in the panel. So I took the bulb out of the "L" and used it instead. That's the last time I let the dealer look up a part for me. Should have checked this board first. Thanks again!

[Dude Boy]

I didn't think it was that easy myself. Don't make the mistake I did and pull it apart, and then go looking for a bulb. I ended up twisting a couple of little Radio Shack bulbs together and putting in mine, since I couldn't find anything else locally that would fit. I recommend taking a little extra time to keep from scratching up your truck. It's going to look something like this by the time you get the cluster out.

[josef15]

How did you replace the bulbs in the overhead console?

[Limited Sequoia]

My D light went out a week or so ago but it has now come back on and hasn't went off again so I'm not messing with it.

Are there supposed to be lights that light up the rear A/C and heater controls? Mine are not lit up and I'm wondering if there is a burnt our bulb somewhere.

[thehobe1]

All of the buttons hace a small indicator lamp when active. I had assumed these were the solid state LED type but it sounds like they were still using incandescent lamps when these panels were designed. Look on ebay for replacement lamps once you know what kind you need.