Explorer instrument backlights are out
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Explorer instrument backlights are out
I did a search here and did the things they said about checking fuses and loose wires. All fuses ok and all wires seem tight. All warning lights work on the dashboard and everything else in the truck is fine. I just can't see how fast I am going at night. Could I have burned out bulbs? The manual says nothing about replacing these lights and I do not relish the idea of removing the whole interior front end. Any suggestions? (1997 Explorer, Limited, 5.0 liter, V8)
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 10,459
Likes: 10
From: RVA
I did a search here and did the things they said about checking fuses and loose wires. All fuses ok and all wires seem tight. All warning lights work on the dashboard and everything else in the truck is fine. I just can't see how fast I am going at night. Could I have burned out bulbs? The manual says nothing about replacing these lights and I do not relish the idea of removing the whole interior front end. Any suggestions? (1997 Explorer, Limited, 5.0 liter, V8)
The bulbs are 194's I believe and there are 6 of them. I bought a pack of 10 for about $3 from Napa last fall. Replace ALL of the 194 bulbs, not just the ones you think are burnt out. Since you're back there, and all the bulbs have about the same life, just do 'em all.
I followed the video steps on eHow:
How to Replace Dashboard Lights: Video Series | eHow Videos
Watch all the segments before you begin removing items.
The entire job took me about 1 hour and 45 minutes from first screw to the last. I ended up with no rattles, but be careful and don't break any of the retainer clips for the "nuts" that the screws go into.
I found that the bulbs them selves were difficult to turn (could have been my cold hands) so I gently used a pair of needle nose.
Take your time and label all your screws (I used little zip lock bags).
Enjoy!
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 10,459
Likes: 10
From: RVA
I hated the look of the leds as they don't "throw" light, so it is spotty.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
I am embarressed to mention this option, but what if I was so lazy that I went to the local car parts place and bought some stick-on red or blue led strips and stuck them above the instruments? That way I could see the speed at night and the other gauges. I do believe all the idiot lights still work ok since they are on only at start-up, they have lots of life left. Dumb idea or brilliant?
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 10,459
Likes: 10
From: RVA
I am embarressed to mention this option, but what if I was so lazy that I went to the local car parts place and bought some stick-on red or blue led strips and stuck them above the instruments? That way I could see the speed at night and the other gauges. I do believe all the idiot lights still work ok since they are on only at start-up, they have lots of life left. Dumb idea or brilliant?
To each their own though. The work was not hard, just tedious and have to take it step by step. No way to cut corners.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
teamsolu
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
3
Jun 21, 2016 09:33 PM
jkopec
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
6
Aug 28, 2012 06:33 AM
hhansen59
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
2
Feb 20, 2011 10:32 AM
