1988 Acura Legend 4-door sedan | Cluster D drive light indicator

[Soulartist]

The green D drive indicator suddenly stopped lighting up. PRN and other drive modes light up, and the transmission works smoothly.

Is this a bulb that finally died? If so, is there an aftermarket source where I can get a replacement?

Thanks

[94LegendaryAcuraGS]

The gear indicator in the cluster for G2 Legends are bulbs as is the gear indicator light in the cluster for RLs. Honda/Acura have used a TON of the same bulbs across MULTIPLE different vehicles. They're probably still available or the dealership can likely cross-reference them. As for using an "aftermarket" bulb the OEM one has lasted you how long now? I'm just saying.

[Soulartist]

Thanks. My mechanic contacted an Acura dealer, but they had no suggestion for the bulb-type replacement. For this reason, I mentioned the aftermarket.

[94LegendaryAcuraGS]

I've never pulled the cluster from a G1 so I don't know if they used the long stem thin bulbs like in the G2 of the shorter wide bulbs like in the RL. The easiest thing to do is pull a bulb (if you have a spare cluster) and take it to the dealership to physically match by appearance IF they can't look up the individual bulb part number/style. Acura/Honda was a bit quirky when it came to bulbs as some they made easy to research and replace and others not so much. As for aftermarket bulbs I would use the same "show and tell" process where a custom light fixture business could compare the shape, size and length of the external filament stems. We have a local light store I was referred to by a few of the big box stores for a replacement small size three stage bulb for a lamp I had used on my work desk MANY years ago. One day I'll make it to their not so convenient location during open hours.

[Soulartist]

I have another cluster. I think your suggestion for pulling one of the bulbs is a good one. Thanks.

[94LegendaryAcuraGS]

You're welcome. As a long time G2 Legend owner with a rather unique custom cluster (see my photo album pictures for "The BLUES!") and a Legend that has been modified from an automatic to a 6 speed manual I know a few things about these clusters. That along with the fact 1st Gen RLs have bulbs that NOTORIOUSLY go out in their clusters I've taken those things apart as well. I'd MUCH RATHER do a Legend cluster removal over an RL (1996 - 2004).

[Soulartist]

I looked at your album—it's a very nice custom ride. I'm doing what I can to keep my Legend alive, which is often frustrating.

[94LegendaryAcuraGS]

Oh I've told more people than I can count that "Legend ownership is not for the faint of heart or weak of wallet." These cars are classics with basically NO major manufacturer (NOT EVEN FROM ACURA ANYMORE) or aftermarket support. We have to be CREATIVE, disciplined and FOCUSED when it comes to these cars. Sadly we don't have Civics or Integras. NSX owners pay a HEALTHY premium for their vehicle support. Most Legend owners don't want to pay what NSX owners are willing to pay.