I haven't been in another Explorer at night, so I can't tell if there is supposed to be back lighting for the headlight switch on my 97. It seems strange that of all the instruments that are lit, the headlight switch isn't. I don't want to go tearing into the IP if I don't need to.

Thanks and Merry Christams to all.

 

Yeah, the switch is lighted. But ya know what?? It's totally not worth tearing the instrument panel apart and replace that little, itty-bitty, totally insignificant light. I mean...once you know where it is, you can do it by feel. But that's my opinion so please, don't take it the wrong way.

 

Yes, it should be lighted. On my Ex is the elder type of the switch (pull-stick), so not sure how it operates in details. But my wife's BMW has exactly the same switch. It is being lighted after ignition is on.

I replaced the burned-out bulb on this car, as well as I did it with my previous BMW. You should pull the switch with significant effort, it should go out. Then you just turn off the plastic screw, and pull the entire switch unit out of the dashboard. There some difficulties with ventilation deflectors, but if you act accurately, that should not be a problem.

But once again, this instruction is for latest BMW 3-er series only. You may use it as the example of how to reach the same device at the other car. It's obvious that the switch on Ex should be different from BMW's one.

Also, you should need the bulb to replace. The best way is to buy it the dealer shop (they will sell exact bulb, not something like "sounds it should fit" lamp).

Also, I should agree -- this switch is reachable, so its illumination is not necesary as long as you don't want to have ALL the features working in your car.

And Marry Christmas to all!

With best regards,
Yuri

 

Ugh it is out on my Explorer too. I think Ford uses cheap bulbs on them since it seems all Explorers have this problem. It's not a big deal though. You have to take the dash apart to get to it, and trust me, it takes about an hour or two to pull that dash apart. Unless you plan on doing some other work like the blend door or installing guages or wiring a stereo; it is not worth the effort.