From: Karl.Nitschke@VerizonWireless.com
Subject: FT 890 Pilot lamp (meter illumination lamp replacement) and 
    Lithium Backup Cell replacement
Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 15:23:23 -0500

When my meter lamp burned out , I contacted YAESU who sent me a fax showing
how to get to it. They recommended folding the Heatsink/top cover assembly
to the side , but the below worked for me.

The following information may be of benefit to fellow FT 890 owners.

Prior to starting, order the bulb assembly from Yaesu  p/n Q900564, or go to
Radio Shack and purchase a 272-1141 12V bulb w wire leads. If you want to
replace the backup lithium battery at this time Purchase a CR 2032 Coin
cell.

Place the radio on its back with the front facing you.

Remove the bottom covers per instructions on page 36 of the Operators
manual.

Turn the unit over and Remove the 4 screws attaching the Top cover/heatsink
per the manual. LIFT THE REAR OF THE TOP COVER/HEATSINK SLIGHTLY AND SLIDE
THE HEATSINK/COVER BACK  SLIGHTLY.DO NOT FORCE  Remove the 2 top screws
affixing the front panel (SEE MANUAL), and loosen the 2 bottom screws. Tilt
the front panel forward slightly being very careful not to pull wires.

On the back of the meter (left side top of the front panel) notice 2 blue
wires and the bulb in a plastic grommet. Remove the bulb by gently pulling
rearward on the wires.
If you have purchased the Yaesu replacement , trace the blue wires , and
unplug the other end  from display board J3002. reroute the new bulbs wire
and connect. Insert the bulb into the plastic grommet.

Note: To grip the plug at the end of the lamp cable you may have to fold the
top cover/Heatsink to the side of the radio See Operators manual page 39

If you have purchased the Radio Shack bulb , either:

1. Place some paper or a card under the wires to prevent wire clippings , or
solder from falling into the unit. cut the blue wires to the bad bulb approx
1 inch from the base of the bulb and carefully strip the leads, cut the
leads of the radio shack bulb about 1 1/2 inches from the bulb. Slide some
heatshrink over each wire , and carefully splice and solder the existing
blue leads to the new bulb. Heat the shrink to insulate the joint. and
insert the new bulb into the grommet. 

2. Unplug the end of the blue wires from the display circuit board ,remove
the bulb from the grommet , and install the new bulb  (splice and solder) on
your work bench. Remember to use heat shrink or other insulating material
over the splices. Routing the wires as original connect the Plug to the
Display board , and insert the bulb into the grommet. 
Install and tighten the 4 front cover screws. Slide the  Top cover forward
and install the 4 screws removed. Turn the unit over and install the 8
Screws on the bottom cover. Be careful not to pinch wires.

While you have the unit opened why not replace the lithium battery CR 2032.
After replacing the pilot light , remove the 2 bottom screws holding the
front cover in place. Turn the unit on its left side(front facing you),
(being careful that the top cover/heat sink does not fall away from the
chassis) and carefully pull the bottom of the front panel slightly forward.
Note the Lithium battery in its battery holder near the Top of the front
panel. Using fingers or a NONMETALLIC tool pry the old battery from its
holder. Slide the new battery into the holder , and snap down into place.

 Re-Assemble the unit as noted above.

 Karl  AA4VT