I have an automatic 79 f150 w/ tilt steering and there doesn't appear to be any kind of back lighting on my shift indicator. I know I've seen some dents with the shift indicator lit up. Could someone show me where exactly I would find the bulb (or if I even have one)?

I've looked fairly thoroughly for it and I think I don't have one. Maybe it was an option and didn't come on all automatic trucks?

If I don't have one, has anyone found a way to rig one up? It'd be nice to see the shift indicator at night.

Here's a few pics of what I could see:

 

 

Yes that is the indicator housing light bulb, that lights up the needle or the lettered clear shield??? There also is a snap on cover that helps to catch the light.

That light should be on with the park/headlights I do believe?

 

Thanks for the replies! That picture was very helpful

Now if only I could figure out how to get that bulb out

Rich, I have the cap that snaps over, I just removed it for bulb searching purposes

 

Carefully pull on the wire or grab the metal socket with some needle nose pliers or your fingers. It is a press fit into another metal socket. Then you can remove the bulb.

 

Hey I am missing the indicator to my steering column of my 73 f100. I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction on what parts Ineed for it since yours are intact. I have the clear plastic with lettering,housing and it lights up and night. However, I have to shift by feel which I am not crazy about.

 

Is this the part you're missing?
Gear Indicator Pointer 1973-77-Broncograveyard.com

 

D3TZ-7A110-A .. Plastic Shift Dial Pointer-slips into the slot on the shift collar / Reproduced

See link in post #7 for a pic of the pointer / Applications: 1973/77 F100/350 & 1974/77 Bronco.

Illustrated as 7A110 in parts catalog pic. Note: shift indicator dial bulb is 13466 .. socket is 13711. Furnished with the T/S switch (13341) or available separately

 

Once I pop that cover off, what else needs to come off to get to the lightbulb / replace bulb?
I haven't even popped the cover off yet, any tricks before I break things??

 

I wish someone would tell me how to test that light bulb,
while its in the socket. I see it only has one wire going into it. Can I just put 12 volts DC into it and ground it?
.

 

Yes that would work, but if it’s not lit up then more then likely the bulb is shot. I’m in the same boat wanting to replace with an LED.

From my research I thought the only way to replace the light is by pulling off the steering wheel and accessing it from that side. I’m not much of a fan of pulling on wires to get things done lol But if that’s how it’s done I am down for it.

 

If it is not an led, check continuity with wire disconnected at supply end and to ground, if no continuity the bulb is either not grounded or the bulb filament is burned out.

 

Unfortunately, the 78/79 don’t light up as well as the earlier models. A led is gonna do you good when you figure it out. Pull it out and Ck the bulb. You can apply power to that line if you want to Ck that way but have to go to the bulk connector at base of the column.

 

I accomplished the Task by pulling out the bulb socket with a needle nose plyers. Of course I had the column out and in my vice. It was a piece of cake. I'm looking for an LED bulb now.

THANKS FOR ALLTHE HELP!

 

Orangeford
Did you ever find a LED bulb for your trucks gear shift indicator light?
Update
Found a LED bulb on Amazon installed it with no problem, and it lights up.
Now I need to paint the P R N D 2 1 etching Any suggestions