How do you replace the dash light bulbs? Several on our Ranger have burned out and it makes driving at night difficult, not being able to read the speedo. It looks like more than just removing the instrument cluster.

 

Remove the bezel which surrounds the ins cluster, then unbolt the cluster from the dashboard. Very simple procedure. If you have an auto, be careful of the gear position indicator, you have to remove it carfeully as the plastic cable is fragile. The bulbs on the back are a dealer item, but can be replaced by LEDS if you want to. If you have the cluster out, you might as well replace all the bulbs just for peace of mind...

 

powerstroke6ltr-i don't know what year your instructions are for, but not for my 2003. You first have to pop the radio bezel off, then remove the lower dash panel under the steering column, then remove the metal knee bolster under that lower dash panel, then you can remove the instrument bezel, then you can remove the instrument cluster to access the bulbs.

 

hmm thats how i removed them on my 04.... either way, it isn't that hard of a job if you are handy with a wrench/driver. I just loosened the kick panel and was able to remove the main bezel... my apologies if this doesn't apply to your 03...

 

Hey powerstroke brucemays is right, there is a little more to it when trying to get to the instrument cluster. I have an 2002..we discussed in the other post. It isn't too difficult to get the cluster out, just have to take it in steps. The important thing is the gear position indicator like you said. That is a little tricky to get out, but once it is the rest is a piece of cake. Thanks again for your info on my other post.

 

And the bulbs are not a dealer part. Go to Wal-Mart and buy a bunch of sylvania 194LL (Long Life) bulbs and replace all of them at one time so you don't have to do it again later.

 

wow guess i should have kept my mouth shut... my apologies to everyone for misleading information. I can get my 04 bezel and cluster out with my above method, shouldn't be any different for '03, but once again, my bad. I can get the bulbs at my dealer, maybe not all dealers can. I know for sure my auto parts stores don't stock them around these parts. Either way, hope all goes well!

 

You offered what you had power!

 

Powerstroke don't worry about it. I am currently going through this whole process and it does take a little bit to get to the instrument cluster. It may just be a little bit different with your truck. No big deal. Are you sure that your autoparts store does not carry them. They are the 194 bulbs and Autozone has a bunch of them. They even had them in blue and I think red. I bought the blue ones and changed all of mine to blue to go with the changes I made to the gauge covers themselves...Looks great. Anyway, you have been extremely informative on a lot of topics and to that I say Thanks.

Chris

 

I live in a small town. Our autozone is the smallest in our area. I asked if any other stores carried them and they couldn't locate them... oh well. Glad you can find them readily... I tried to offer help, but am glad that others were able to correct me so I didn't get someone really mad! Thanks for the right info guys!

 

Replacing the bulbs is kind of a chore. It wasn't very fun for me on my '99. It sounds like you're on the right track. The bulbs are 194- there are six of them back there. They are held in plact by twist-lock type connectors.

Here's what it'll look like tore apart. The bulbs are where the black things are on the back of the cluster.


Here's the front of the cluster and the automatic transmission selector cable.


Hope this helps you a little.