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1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis Econolines. E150, E250, E350, E450 and E550

dash light

Old Jan 3, 2012 | 12:50 PM
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dash light

99 e250

how do you change the light in the dash? the one that lights up the speedo and all that.
hopefully its not impossible. and whats the bulb/bulbs i need?
thanks
 
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Old Jan 4, 2012 | 05:24 AM
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Its certainly not impossible but depending on your skill level or more importantly experience it can be a bit of a challenge.

I've always pulled the entire instrument cluster out and changed every bulb when even one burns out. This does require removing a bit of the dash board trim which includes temporarily removing the headlight switch **** too.

It might be possible to do this with the cluster still installed but so far I've not found an easier way than removing it first. Describing this can become a bit detailed.
 
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Old Jan 4, 2012 | 08:18 AM
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aww, i was hoping it was just the 2 screws next to the clear plastic.
welp it has to get done sooo details.
 
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Old Jan 4, 2012 | 12:03 PM
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Okay then...........I need a bit of time to write this out fully for you---gimme just a bit more time, hopefully later this day.

If you have a Mitchell or Haynes manual learn how to remove the headlight **** since that's important. Let me know if you can locate that info as I might not be able to describe very well how to do that. Its the same now as for the past 40 years if that's helpful---if you've ever done it on any American vehicle its the same on your '99 E250.

I'll get working on the rest!
 
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Old Jan 6, 2012 | 10:01 AM
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Suspect the '99 headlight switch **** is removed the same way as is shown in Haynes '92-'01 manual. But only the '92-'96 dash is shown.

Look for slot/notch at front edge of ****, it conceals a release spring. Using small screwdriver or "hooked tool" depress the spring & pull **** off shaft. Chilton calls for using a "prytool" to release the "retaining clip".

Originally Posted by JWA
If you have a Mitchell or Haynes manual learn how to remove the headlight **** since that's important. Let me know if you can locate that info as I might not be able to describe very well how to do that. Its the same now as for the past 40 years if that's helpful---if you've ever done it on any American vehicle its the same on your '99 E250.
Note: Chilton shows that before '92 the headlight switch **** was removed differently. They show a headlamp control **** release button on the side of the switch housing, behind the dash panel. When the release button is pressed you "Pull the **** and shaft assembly out of the switch".

Would seem that the headlight switch **** is not "the same now as for the past 40 years" EVEN ON ECONOLINES. Let alone "on any American vehicle its the same"!
 

Last edited by Club Wagon; Jan 6, 2012 at 10:07 AM. Reason: spelling
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Old Jan 7, 2012 | 01:03 AM
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thanks, i think i got it, just 4 more bolts. dang its dirty behind it.

 
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Old Jan 7, 2012 | 05:44 AM
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Good going Wizzy------I see you got it all figured out so far! If you're not already done when reading this remember to proceed carefully when removing the cluster itself so you don't damage the transmission indicator---its easily forgotten.

Also assuming you'll be replacing every bulb too--------too much work otherwise.

Another bit of advice that might be helpful: if you drive a lot during the day with headlights on and don't need the dash illuminated turn them down or off via the dimmer on the main H/L switch----extends bulb life and saves re-doing this project. Of course after all this time if this is the first change that's not a bad service life at all!

Thanks for the update!
 
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