PontiacBonnevilleClub.com

Hi,

The light(s) responsible for 'PRND321' on the floor console have been out for some time now and I was wondering if anyone knew how/if it can be disassembled easily and what replacement bulb I need... any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

The panel around the shifter snaps in. Once you pull it up, you should be able to see the bulb. If you need to, you can remove the clip and remove the shifter knob and remove the panel completely.

Might have to remove the dash bezel and the TC button trim to be able to remove the trim around the shifter. Those procedures are here somewhere, search is your friend.

Thanks guys! Appreciate it - sounds like a good project for the near future!

Did you end up getting the bulb changed? I tried last week when I had the car ripped apart, but did not see the bulb. I was sick of finding new things to fix, so I got it put back together.

vogie01 wrote:Did you end up getting the bulb changed? I tried last week when I had the car ripped apart, but did not see the bulb. I was sick of finding new things to fix, so I got it put back together.

No I haven't attempted it yet - it's on my to-do list sometime within the next few weeks, hopefully. I can let you know how it goes once I get around to doing it if you'd like.

You'll want a #37 bulb.

Ken_W

I replaced mine last Friday night, (2001 SE). There is only 1 bulb - GE37. O'Reilley Auto Parts had a Wagoner37 - same bulb, different manufacturer. The GE37 bulb is a push in/pull out type of bulb.

When removing the console shifter trim plate, I only had one wiring connector to disconnect - TC switch. I did not remove the shift knob but was able to turn the trim plate sideways and get enough room to access the PRND321 cover.

When removing the PRND321 cover, and the vehicle is in Park, you will see a black plastic connector, (acts as a connecting interface) between the shift lever and the cover. Rearward movement of the shifter slides a piece of plastic under the PRND321 cover to indicate what gear you are in. When removing that black plastic connector, USE EXTREME CAUTION. The black plastic connector has a small diameter plastic pin, (about a half inch in length) molded in the side. DO NOT break that pin. I gently applied pressure against the shift lever and PRND321 cover to force them apart and then slid the black plastic connector upward and off. (A second set of hands maybe helpful.)

The PRND321 cover is held in by a tab (driver's side) and two plastic push tabs (front and rear). Using a small flat-tip screwdriver, I gently pried the PRND321 towards the right (passenger side) and then pulled the cover upward, rear tab first, then the front tab, and turning the cover sideways (towards the driver) - removing it. Remove the black plastic tape and the white plastic support - it lifts up -note the location of the two plastic mounting pins on the bottom for reference when reassembling.

Pull the bulb out and replace. Reassembly is opposite. Just ensure the bulb is working before reassembling. If the shift trim plate is in the way, I moved the shift lever rearward for additional clearance. Set the emergency brake.

(Though I did email harofreakto let him know I may be calling for help since the shift lever was moving before I started this repair and halfway through, I couldn't get it to move. Of course, since the mid 1980's, I've only driven manuals and I forgot that you need to apply the foot brake before attempting to shift out of Park. I'm still slapping myself for my stupidity! If you can take pictures, maybe this procedure can be posted in the technical forum.)

the light in my console indicator is still working but it has slipped out of sequence with the dash lights. When I'm in "D" the console shows "1"...is this just something out of place and easily fixed or have I broken a part and need a replacement?

2 possibilities. In my previous post, I mentioned a black plastic connector with a small diameter plastic pin and a black plastic tape that is under the PRND321 cover.

The black plastic tape has a square hole that allows light to shine through. As this tape is moved forward or backwards under the PRND321 cover, it illuminates what gear selection the tranny is in.

The black connector with the pin is the interface between the shifter and the black plastic tape. The small plastic pin is inserted in a second hole on the side of the tape. If the pin is not broken off, it should be a quick fix.

Remove the console shift lever trim plate. On the driver's side of the shift lever, you will see a small rod with the previously mentioned plastic connector. This rod moves forwards and backwards in conjunction with the shift lever. Observe that the plastic pin is not broken off the side. With the transmission in Park, manually slide/pull the black tape forward as far as it will go. Gently pry the PRND321 assembly towards the driver's side and align/insert the pin into the hole.

The second possibilty is the pin is broken and you'll need a replacement part. I don't know the part number or if it is still available. Harofreak did have a bent shifter that may have that part.

Hope this helps, I should have taken pictures when I had mine disassembled.

Thanks for the info, I'll be on the lookout when I pull mine apart

I just completed this procedure, and found a slight shortcut.

The vertical black connector sleeve (with the sideways pin) does not need to be removed before the main PRND123 plate. If you leave it on, it will slide off on its own when the plate is removed. Similarly, it can be slid back into position when the plate is re-installed. I found this easier than trying to push the shifter and plate apart.

This procedure sounded very complicated, but having done it once, I could probably do the whole thing again in less than 60 seconds. It's one of those "feel" things; very easy to do once you know what you're doing. However, when doing it the first time you definitely want to be careful so you don't break anything while you learn. I did not use a screwdriver or any sort of tool; to get the plate up I just pulled upward slowly and firmly, starting at the rear tab, and then the front tab. Eventually the whole thing came off.

I would also recommend that you take advantage of having the console disassembled and use this opportunity to give this area a good cleaning. There are a number of crevices that collect dirt that can be freely accessed at this time.

Re-assembly was even easier. After the connector sleeve is slid back over its post, put the sideways pin into the PRND123 plate as you reposition it into position. Then carefully push down until the plate snaps back into place.

I used a Sylvania 37LL bulb that I got at Advance Auto. They are sold in packs of two, for about $5/pack.

Ken_W

Hey guys, while replacing my shifter, I managed to break off the 1/2" pin on the black connector, which connects to the shift selector.

Does anyone kinow where I can buy a replacement connector without purchasing the entire shifter?

Check with 'harofreak'. See the 'For Sale' forum.

Just wanted to thank all of you guys. I needed the same light bulb and to auto stores said they didn't have the part. I finally went to O'Reilly and took up my phone and said hey Google give me a part number for this light. In Google brought up Pontiac Bonneville club and one of you put the part number there. And because of that O'Reilly was able to find the part. Number 37 bulb