Notices
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator 1991-1994, 1995-2001, 2002-2005, 2006-2010 Ford Explorer

Replacing Instrument panel bulbs, requires reprogramming??

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 22, 2013 | 08:41 AM
  #1  
pjw73nh's Avatar
pjw73nh
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 56
Likes: 1
Replacing Instrument panel bulbs, requires reprogramming??

I am looking at the Ford service manual for my vehicle. 2008 Explorer Ltd 4.6L.

I want to:

A. Find out how many instrument cluster illumination bulbs there are.
B. Determine which ones are working and which ones are out.
C. Find out how to remove the Instrument Cluster and replace the ones that don't work.

Ordinarily, I would just start taking it apart, and when I got them out, go buy some. But after discovering that the headlight switch illuminates with a special bulb, I wanted to look this up in the manual before embarking.

Come to find out, the manual says that before you remove the IC (instrument cluster), you have to "download" program information to some kind of device. Then remove the panel, change the bulbs, reconnect the panel, and "upload" the program to it.

It mentions that this will mess with the PATS system and could cause a no-start condition.

The manual does not show my exact instrument cluster. I have the one with the larger of the two message displays.

My understanding is that most of the bulbs are 194s. Is that accurate ?

Anyone have any more information that may help with my bulb replacement?

Thanks.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
erbenson
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
12
May 8, 2017 08:14 AM
dkozikowski
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
0
Mar 6, 2012 09:33 PM
Justin's Green Truck
Escape & Escape Hybrid
6
Dec 16, 2010 06:52 AM
BlackNGoldRules
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
19
Jul 17, 2008 12:27 PM
Jack01
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Oct 3, 2003 05:45 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:10 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE