Overview

Transform your Celica's gauge cluster lighting from stock green to any color you desire. This simple modification requires only basic tools and colored Type-194 bulbs, providing an immediate visual upgrade to your interior's night illumination.

Required Tools & Materials

🎨 Popular Color Options

Step 1: Steering Column Cover Removal

Begin by removing the plastic cover pieces around the steering column to access the gauge cluster mounting screws.

Cover removal process:

• Pop off the long plastic cover around ignition keyhole and steering column
• Disconnect wiring harness for the dimmer knob
• Remove four screws from the curved plastic piece over gauge cluster
• Two screws are in the top - requires very short Phillips or ratchet with Phillips bit
• Pull out the plastic piece once screws are removed

Step 2: Gauge Cluster Removal

With covers removed, access and remove the gauge cluster itself.

Cluster removal steps:

• Remove four screws through white plastic piece of gauge cluster
• Gauge cluster will be loose - reach behind and disconnect three wiring harnesses
• Remove steering column top cover for clearance:
• Turn steering wheel quarter turn left to access screw
• Remove screw, then remove right side screw
• Top cover pops off
• Carefully maneuver gauge cluster out of dash

Step 3: Bulb Replacement

With cluster removed, replace the bulbs with your desired colors.

Bulb replacement process:

• Examine back of cluster - locate green plastic bulb area
• Identify the three largest light sockets
• Twist out each socket (counterclockwise)
• Remove old bulbs and green covers from sockets
• Install new colored Type-194 bulbs
• Twist sockets back into cluster (clockwise)

Step 4: Reassembly and Testing

Reverse the removal process to reinstall everything:

• Carefully maneuver gauge cluster back into position
• Reconnect three wiring harnesses
• Secure cluster with four mounting screws
• Replace steering column top cover and secure with screws
• Reinstall curved plastic piece over cluster
• Reconnect dimmer knob harness and replace long cover

Testing: Start vehicle and test lighting at night to verify color change and proper operation.

🎯 Performance Results

📸 Additional Reference

💡 Pro Tips

• Socket identification: Only replace the three largest sockets for main gauge illumination
• Documentation: Take photos before disconnecting harnesses for reference
• Gentle handling: Gauge clusters are delicate - avoid dropping or jarring
• Bulb quality: Use quality bulbs - cheap ones may burn out quickly
• Test before final assembly: Verify lighting works before complete reassembly
• Access tool choice: Short Phillips screwdriver or ratchet with bit essential for tight spaces