2002 Pontiac Grand Prix Logo
Nick Kovaly Posted on Dec 07, 2013
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Gear shift indicator lights flicker on instrument cluster

If you start the car and the indicator light is lit in park then you can shift from park to any gear. But if there is no indicator light for park on the dash, then you must use the manual override to release the solenoid in the console. Sometimes the shift indicator lights flicker in the dash, and when they do you can hear/feel the solenoid rapidly engaging/releasing in the column. I have replaced the switch at the brake and the entire instrument cluster without fixing the issue. What would cause the gear selection indicator lights on the instrument cluster to not register properly?

1 Answer

matthew grever

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  • Posted on Dec 07, 2013
matthew grever
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Sometimes on the shifter its self they use two different items, some use a medal rod and some use a cable like an ebrake. if its a cable one it may have stretched and isn't going back to its actual spot for the instrument lights to work properly. you can tighten that cable.that's all I can think of right now good luck.

5 Related Answers

Jonah Oneal

  • 14092 Answers
  • Posted on May 16, 2009

SOURCE: gear shift won't move out of park sometimes

look for transmission shift interlock solenoid fuse.or a bad brake switch will cause transmission not to come out of park.

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Zlobomir

Zlobomir

  • 225 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 07, 2009

SOURCE: brake light remains on after brake is released

Most likely the switch for it is jamming in closed position.

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Jun 24, 2010

SOURCE: Parking Brake Indicator Light stays on. My 1988...

pull the breck release and kick it at the same time same thing i had to do hey it worked for me

batkingangel

  • 5 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 03, 2011

SOURCE: Shift gear is stuck in

have your brake switch checked. some of these cars have the brake switch electrically tied to the shifter

john h

  • 29494 Answers
  • Posted on May 14, 2012

SOURCE: Emergency brake may not be properly releasing: 03 Pontiac Sunfire.

need to remove rear brakes and check brakes and or e-brake may be hanging up or sticking also check for broken or stuck part

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2
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3
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How to replace light bulb on a clock 2004 Honda Odessey

Here are the steps:

1. Undo the panels to the left and right of the steering column.
2. Remove the panel that encloses the instrument cluster.
3. Replace the light bulb located on the back of the panel (removed in step 2).
4. Reinstall the instrument panel (removed in step 2).
5. Reinstall the panels on the left and right of the steering column.

Here are the details:

FIRST - Disconnect the battery. Be careful to locate the radio security code and radio station memory locations before you disconnect though. I chose to disconnect the ground (black wire) from the battery. Be careful to put the cable away from the battery terminal.



Step 1: Undo the panels to the left and right of the steering column.
a. Put on your parking break. You'll want to prevent the car from moving because you will soon put the car in gear.
b. Put your keys and turn to the starting position (but don't try to start the car). This allows the gear lever to move.
c. Move the gear shift to lowest gear. This puts the gear shift lever to a place nearly out of the way of the panel so that you can pry it out.
d. Using bare hands, pull smartly on the plastic edge closest to the steering wheel. Pry out the panels by hand as they are both held by tabs. This is hardest to do the first time. Keep in mind that these are pieces of plastic, so be careful. Once panels are out, let them dangle. You only need access to the instrument panel screws.

Step 2: Remove the panel that encloses the instrument cluster.
e. Remove the 8 screws that keep the instrument cluster panel in place.
o Two on left of steering wheel
o Two on top of instrument cluster (upside-down)
o Four on right side of steering wheel
f. Wiggle/pry out the instrument cluster panel. Be careful as the center is held in stronger than the sides. In addition to screws, there are different tabs that assist in holding this in place.
g. Before removing the instrument cluster panel, disconnect the clock and emergency light electrical connectors. While the clock connector disconnects easily, the emergency light has a locking tab that needs to be pushed in to disconnect. I used a small screwdriver to push in the tab to get the connector to disconnect.
h. Remove the instrument panel. Turn it over and locate the clock's protective cover.
i. Open the clock's protective cover by loosening the tabs. Be very gentle to these tabs.
j. Once the cover is removed locate the light bulb.

Step 3: Replace the light bulb located on the back of the panel (removed in step 2).
k. Unscrew the light bulb and remove.
l. Install the new light bulb. Check the light bulb before you install it. Be careful when rotating the new light bulb. in place. I've read in other posts that the light bulbs are VERY sensitive. I used a small screwdriver with plastic on the head to screw the light bulb. in.
m. Replace the clock's protective cover.
o. Reconnect the clock and emergency light's electrical connectors.

Step 4. Reinstall the instrument panel (removed in step 2).
p. Fit the instrument cluster panel back into it's original position. Be careful with the fan vents. I suggest aligning the fan vents first, then fitting the panel.
q. Screw in the 8 screws that keep the instrument cluster panel in place.

Step 5. Reinstall the panels on the left and right of the steering column.
r. Push both panels back into place.
s. Move the gear shift lever back to park.
t. Remove the car key.
u. [Optional - disengage the parking brake]

LAST - Reconnect the battery.

TEST - Reinsert your keys and turn them to the starting position (but don't start the car). The clock light should light up.

Note: Because the power has been reset, you will need to enter the factory stereo code and reset your radio stations.
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