Author Topic: Instrument lights?  (Read 2439 times)

Offline BlitzenGruv

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  • Posts: 218
  • My first BMW. Been riding old British forever..
Instrument lights?
« on: June 29, 2020, 02:34:05 AM »
The last time I rode at night I noticed that the right gauge was not illuminated. I assume that they have separate lamps. How does one change those lamps?
  • Crossville, TN
  • '92 K100rs, 16v, '71 BSA Lightning, '72 Triumph Bonneville, '72 Triumph Trident
You say I'm schizophrenic, but I don't believe we are.

Offline Martin

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Re: Instrument lights?
« Reply #1 on: June 29, 2020, 02:49:48 AM »
You'll have to remove the whole instrument pod. Once removed you'll have to remove the nine screws that secure the back panel and the odometer reset knob that requires a firm pull. Carefully remove the back and try not to damage the rubber gasket. with the back removed you will see the black plastic sockets that hold the removable globes. Most electronic stores will stock them, you can also upgrade to LED globes in different colours, however LED's are polarity sensitive so connect the pod without the back to make sure they are the right way around.
Regards Martin.
  • North Lakes Queensland Australia
  • 1992 K75s Hybrid, Lefaux, Vespa V twin.

Offline Laitch

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Re: Instrument lights?
« Reply #2 on: June 29, 2020, 03:38:20 AM »
You'll have to remove the whole instrument pod. Once removed . . .
I think he is referring to a separate gauge housed in the fairing, Martin. There is an exploded view only of the petrol gauge in the fiche but not of "the gauge on the right"—which could be the temperature gauge.
  • Along the Ridley in Vermont.
  • 1995 K75 89,000 miles

Offline Martin

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Re: Instrument lights?
« Reply #3 on: June 29, 2020, 04:18:55 AM »
He should do it anyway, as practice.
Regards Martin.
  • North Lakes Queensland Australia
  • 1992 K75s Hybrid, Lefaux, Vespa V twin.

Offline The Mighty Gryphon

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Re: Instrument lights?
« Reply #4 on: June 29, 2020, 07:38:21 AM »
If indeed he is talking about the temperature gauge he probably has a blown bulb in it.  In my experience those bulbs have the life expectancy of a firecracker.  There is a possibility that the bulb holder has loosened up a little and lost it's ground to the case of the gauge. 

Remove the right knee panel and he can get to the panel holding the gauge.  With access to the rear of the gauge he can pull the bulb holder.  Bulbs are available at most auto parts stores.

I've replaced mine with these LED BA7 units.

https://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/ba9s-ba7s/filter/Reference_Number,BA7S,1,455:

These go in the cluster:

https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/miniature-wedge-base/74-led-bulb-1-smd-led-miniature-wedge-retrofit-car/227/
  • In my garage in Marilla, NY
  • '91K100RS White/Blue
Current:
'91 K100RS16V "Moby Brick Too"

Past:
'94 K75RT "Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS"
'92 K100RS16V "Moby Brick" (RIP, deceased in a vehicular assault)
'94 K75S Special Edition Dakar Yellow "Cheetos"
'89 K100RS Special Edition "Special Ed"

Offline BlitzenGruv

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  • Posts: 218
  • My first BMW. Been riding old British forever..
Re: Instrument lights?
« Reply #5 on: June 29, 2020, 11:20:37 AM »
Sorry for the confusion, I actually mean the tachometer portion of the main instrument panel.
Sounds like a complete PITA just to replace a lamp.
  • Crossville, TN
  • '92 K100rs, 16v, '71 BSA Lightning, '72 Triumph Bonneville, '72 Triumph Trident
You say I'm schizophrenic, but I don't believe we are.

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