Mine hasn't worked for a while and I did a post a while back but I still don't know.

I searched and found a few threads but I can't see how to get to the bulb. This thread has a good picture http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...c58e7231bb3151

I take it the bulb is at the bottom of that white plastic tube. Do I have to remove all that to get to it? Is there a thread I'm missing that has a how to? I need someone to hold my hand here

Anyone?

What isn't lighting up - the letters or the dots? I'm not sure if you'll have to get it down to quite that far, but probably pretty close in order to be able to reach things.

The shift indicator light quit lighting up a while ago. The only button I have on the console is the traction control button. It doesn't light up either but My traction control doesn't work. It use to at one time light up and then go out after I would drive a few feet. Now, neither it or the Trac Off light on the dash light up. I don't think that is related to the shift indicator. The traction control has never worked since I bought the car back in 99, although the traction control light on the console and dash did work at one time.

I would like to see what I need to take apart to access the shift indicator bulb. I think that'* all it is that'* wrong, Hopefully. I don't think the shift light and the trac button went out at the same time. Thanks

The info and photo in the attached post are very accurate,

There are 2 bulbs one lights the buttons and one lights the indivivual round balls that indicate what gear you are in. That bulb is under that white rounded top cover in the photo it'* held in place by a small sheetmetal type of screw maybe it;* a 6 or 7 mm. I got the bulb at NAPA.

I bought my 96 SE used and the indivdual indicators didn't work...and it looked like someone had cut the wires to the bulb holder..I ended up splicing in some extra length of bell or telephone wire to give me room to manuver it into place


To get to it...
Seems like there are 2 small torx screws under the ash tray that you have to remove...there is a third screw just below the spring release button for the center console You also need to remove the shifter handle...at least on my automatic trans model I did...It;* held on with a metal C-clip. it'* on the front of the handle almost to the bottom of the handle...handle not the shift lever. there'* a little slot that you can either grip it with a smll pair of needle nose pliers or get it started with a small bladed scew drive. With this stuff out of the way you should be able to see where & what you need to get to ....good luck. It'* nice to have that light working

Spit

Thanks, that'* what I needed to know. I'll give it a shot tomorrow and let you know how it goes.

Actually Spit..if you are talking from experience with your car..his shifter is a different version. IIRC in 95 there was only one bulb and it'* right in front of the shifter letters. The ability of the bulb to light up anything is poor at best.

Bill, Is this the right procedure to gain access to it for replacement for my Bonneville?

The two torx/7mm'* under the ashtray and the shifter u clip yes..There shouldn't be any other screws that I'm aware of.

And...I reread what Spit wrote.. he'* on the money..not sure what I was thinking last night. Although IIRC there is only one bulb in your year, not two. The 96+ has the advantage of the individually lit. Apparently GM saw a better way to do it.

OK, I found the light to be working when I took it apart. What now? It doesn't show any light at all to tell what gear your in. I just checked it again and it'* dark out and no light.

What can I do from here to get the shift indicator dots to light up? Here are some pictures