I have a 3 liter, 1995, 2wd, auto transmission with overdrive. I am going to finally make the move and try and replace those faulty instrument guage lights. The entire right side of the instrument panel is unlit. I printed out pearljam26's list to follow and have read extensively in both my Chilton and Haynes repair manuals but I'm still apprehensive about the procedure. I know I should disconnect the battery and for some reason remove the radio. But is it necessary to remove the steering wheel and air bag assembly since I have an automatic transmission? I am suppose to have a panel light that shows when the overdrive is engaged and is that a special instrument light or just one of the many? I suppose it would be wise to put in all new lights when and if I ever get in there. Any and all information will be appreciated. Too bad such a simple item is buried so deep; almost as if it was an after thought about replacing them.

 

Don,

I'm not familiar with taking apart the dash in the '95 Ranger, it's a little different than my '98 Ranger dash, but if you have the Haynes and Chiltons manuals, and pearljam26's list, then you ought to just follow the instructions and go for it.

I'm sure that as you progress through the repair process, you will be able to figure out if there is any way you can save time and/or effort.

Have faith in yourself and don't be intimidated...if you get stuck, you can always look for help here.

Good luck!

 

Thank you for your courteous and encouraging reply. I guess my only concern is the necessity of removing the steering wheel to access the instrument panel. If it's necessary then I will need to purchase a steering wheel puller. Once I start working I hate to have to quit because I haven't the correct tool. Other than that I am ready to take up the challenge.

 

Don,

Are you sure you have to remove the steering wheel? I was looking through my Haynes Manual and I didn't see where it was necessary to remove the steering wheel in order to get to the instrument cluster....or am I missing something?

 

I already removed the gauge to fix a few lighs in the panel, here is what you have to do:

1. Disconnect the battery
2. Remove the screws from the bottom panel
3. Remove the kick panel
4. Remove the Radio/AC Vents bezel
5. Remove the screws from the top panel
6. Remove the gauge cluster (about 6 screws)
7. Replace the lights
8. Re-install everything in reverse order.

I'm pretty sure you'll get the hang of it once you had remove the first panel.

You don't have to remove the Steering wheel!!!!!!

 

Lower the steering wheel tilt the bottom most setting, turn the ignition on, and put your shifter in the lowest gear (1), turn off the ignition once the parking brake is set. This allows you some working space. If you have to ask whether you need to disconnect the batter, than you need to disconnect the battery, anything electrical and you should play it safe. First remove the two hex head screws located in the center dash trim piece that houses the radio, disconnect the wire harnesses and get the whole radio/trim assembly out of the way. Take the hex head screws out of the bottom of the lower dash panel, there is one on each end, and a couple in both the parking brake lever mount, and the hood release mount. Get a socket and remove the metal pan behind it. Remove the three hex head screws in the black trim piece surrounding the gauge display. Gently pull the panel out, remember that there are expanding lins in the plastice, so pull firmly , but don't try to rip it out. It'll need some pressure, but just go gently. Again, remove the wiring harnesses that connect your headlamps, etc. In front of you is the lens , held in with most likely allen slotted/hex head screws, remove them, they are the ones that pass through the molded clear plastic lens, to the black iunstrument cluster. Once the the lense is out, go after the screws that mounst the instrument panel. The instrument panel is black, but fixed to a white plastic housing, so the screws will be in the white plastic. Gently turn the housing downward, and to the side. The lights are held in the houseing be small, (usually black) plastic *****, turn them slightly releasing the ****, and draw it out. The small light should be fixed inside the ****.
I would recommend doing all of the lights at once, get the backlight illumination bulbs, and the warning light bulbs all in one shot. Re-install the pieces in the reverse manner, if you have trouble getting the small lense cover screws into the appropriate holes, use a small piece of masking tape to hold the screws to the end of the screwdriver to fit it in. When you replace the dash pieces, notice the foam surrounding the HVAC outlet, and try to fit it in gently so you dont tear it away. Hopefully you've connected your battery temporarily and turned your lights on to be sure you've got them all before you've done this. Best of luck. Job

 

Is there a step by step process anywhere so I can do this as well? My dash lights are very dim and I figure its going to save me some eye sight problems in the dark. Another thing will any bulbs just work from the auto part store or does anyone have a preference?