Dash Bulb replacement
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: North Carolina
Dash Bulb replacement
OK fellas, I know someone in here has done this before! I have a 97 EB Expedition. While on vacation, the bulbs for the volt meter and oil pressure gauges went out. The rest of the dash is still illuminated. What is the easiest way to access these bulbs for replacement? Does the whole instrument cluster have to be removed, or can they be accessed from under the dash? I looked under the dash, and it doesn't look like you could reach the bulbs unless you got arms like toothpicks and extremely small hands. Oh by the way, I just thought I'd let you know how the 2000 mile trip went. I currently have 147,000 miles on my Expy, I averaged 19-22 MPG consistently. This was not flat travel, there were many mountain passes and average speed was 75 MPH! I was extremely impressed. I found that if you can stay below 2200 RPM's it gets the best fuel mileage! Thanks!
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 496
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From: Midwest
Dash Bulb replacement
The whole cluster has to come out. I did this when I installed the flame guages.
1.) disconnect the battery
2.) remove the headlight switch
3.) Pry out center trim panel (around the steering wheel)
4.) Remove cluster trim bezel retaining screws (I think there are 4)
5.) Tilt steering wheel down to lowest position. Pull top of instrument cluster bezel outward while disengaging the lower half. Remove the bezel from the vehicle. Unplug tach and speedo cable. (Watch the gear selector!!!)
Now, after the cluster is out, I think you use an 8mm driver to take the plastic cover off of it.
1.) disconnect the battery
2.) remove the headlight switch
3.) Pry out center trim panel (around the steering wheel)
4.) Remove cluster trim bezel retaining screws (I think there are 4)
5.) Tilt steering wheel down to lowest position. Pull top of instrument cluster bezel outward while disengaging the lower half. Remove the bezel from the vehicle. Unplug tach and speedo cable. (Watch the gear selector!!!)
Now, after the cluster is out, I think you use an 8mm driver to take the plastic cover off of it.
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,264
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From: North Carolina
Dash Bulb replacement
I figure that I would have to remove the cluster! Now for the big question..... Are they dealer only bulbs, or can I get them at autozone? If they are dealer only, does anyone have part #'s. Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 369
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From: Bronx, New York
Dash Bulb replacement
The bulbs are regular 194's but they are in twist-lock bases. I got them at a regular auto parts store. I am not sure if the base can be pulled off the bulb, and a standard 194 can be "pushed in" to it, but the bulb is not a dealer item.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 68
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From: Bergen County
Dash Bulb replacement
Do yourself a favor and get a couple of them. When one blew out on my truck I changed it. Then approx a month later another one blew out. I don't know if this will happen to you, but just a little heads up.. Its a simple remove and install.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,264
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From: North Carolina
Dash Bulb replacement
Well, I changed the bulbs this afternoon. It was a snap and only took about 20 min or so! I got a few extras in case anymore go out! Thanks for all the info... This site rocks!
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