How do you replace the SES bulb in a 1996 diesel Suburban?

[jrsavoie]

How do you replace the SES bulb in a 1996 diesel Suburban?

The SES light is not coming on in our 96 6.5 diesel Suburban.

I was going to let somebody else replace the bulb, but nobody seems interested.

If you put the brown and white wire from the ECM to ground the light does not come on. Key on or Key off.

I was told this was the bulb test.

What bulb does the SES light take? Where can you buy bulbs?

Where can I find instructions for replacing the bulb?

 

[WarWagon]

The ECM should have a code. Clear them and re-check as it will be a current code. (Better be anyway.)

You have to pull the cluster. More or less set parking brake, pull trim bezel (it has clips you just pull out) that goes all the way over to cover the radio and you will have to shift to manual 1st to clear the shifter. Disconnect the headlight switch plug if you need to. 4 screws on the sides of the cluster and out it comes. Bulb is in a retainer that you can twist out - make sure you note the position of the filament coming out as the new one needs to be on the same side. (In some applications filament position matters likely not ours.) Test the new bulb key on when the cluster is reinstalled before putting the trim ring back on.

Test the old bulb to make sure it is bad.

Dealer, junkyard, auto electric shops, fleabay... for replacement bulb.

 

[JayTheCPA]

If you want to go the mail-order route for bulbs, go to vleds and get something that will outlast the truck

 

[jrsavoie]

If you want to go the mail-order route for bulbs, go to vleds and get something that will outlast the truck

Do you have a link for that?

 

[JayTheCPA]

Presuming it is a 194 bulb, try this:
http://www.vleds.com/shop-bulb-numbers/194-168-158-led.html

My experience with the 194 LED bulb in the Burb is that the 'round' style are just a tad larger than the holes so I have to shave ~1mm of plastic to get them fit. In theory, the 'flat' style will go into GM's fixtures without any fitment issues but I have not tried them. Currently, I have LED's in the overhead, foot well, and door fixtures but not in any of the dash components.

Given this is for the SES and the bulbs tend to come in pairs, probably a good idea to get 5K white (6K gives off the 'blueish' tint) so that you may use the second bulb in another location like the glove box, door, overhead spot, etc.

Might want to give Vleds a call for recommendation on the Output Rating for the SES bulb as the ones with a rating of '5' tend to put out a LOT of light.

 

[JMJNet]

There are 2 types of bulb in the dash different sizes, very small and small.
You will need to determine which one you need, I can never remember it.

Personally, I would just bring the current one and match it to the one at the local part store...

WW description on how to take the cluster out is good.
The cover is easy to remove, just have to make sure that the shifter is not on the way.
The headlight switch cable needs to be unplugged when removing the cover.
After that just 4 screw and beware of the wire harness under there before pulling it out.

 

[jrsavoie]

Thank you all much. 40 miles later I have a bulb installed and working