'02 300M instrument cluster bulbs: spot-welded leads!!

Just went to replace all the bulbs in my '02 300M's instrument panel:
it's such an involved procedure that I thought there was no point in
replacing only the one that wasn't working.

I wondered why it was so difficult to get the #74 bulbs out of their
holders and eventually discovered that the leads were wrapped around the
contacts and spot welded!!!

Did Chrysler in its infinite wisdom expect me to use some special
over-priced Mopar-branded "plug and light" bulb/holder assemblies?

Perce

 

No, in fact. Apparently they are a standard Wagner product, available
online in ten-packs for less than a dollar each -- but none of the
"chains" (e.g, AutoZone) seems to stock them.

I'll try a specialist auto-electrical place in the morning -- or even,
if push comes to shove, the Chrysler or Dodge dealer.

Perce

 

When GM started using the bulb/socket lights, it was because the bulbs
were halogens and you shouldn't touch them with your bare fingers (due
to skin oil getting on the bulb's exterior and compromising its
longevity). In other cases, there was a reason for doing it that way.
This was about 10 years ago.

I concur that they should be available elsewhere than just the dealer.
The bulb number is an industry number rather than being specific to any
one brand of bulb. Use your own judgment as to which brand you might
choose.

Enjoy!

C-BODY