Instrument Light Bulb Replacement

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Mar 28, 2004 | 08:33 PM

neufelda

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From: USA

Instrument Light Bulb Replacement

My 99 has a few bulbs out in the instrument cluster backlighting. The manuals show that you must remove the radio and center console to get the instrument cluster out?!?

Anyone know if this is true?

Thanks,

Mar 28, 2004 | 09:01 PM

Rockledge

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From: Connecticut

If you mean replacing the dash bulbs, here is a very good write-up on how to do it (be sure to click the images to see larger images in more detail): Ranger Dash Bulb Replacement

Mar 28, 2004 | 10:14 PM

neufelda

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From: USA

Thanks! Excellent photo's.

Any idea if the bulbs can be removed from behind, as it shows in the manual?

Mar 29, 2004 | 06:03 AM

PSKSAM2

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From: Randolph, NJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by neufelda

Thanks! Excellent photo's.

Any idea if the bulbs can be removed from behind, as it shows in the manual?

Yes, the bulbs can be replaced by twisting the sockets a 1/4 turn and pulling the socket/bulb out the back. This allows you to not have to take the gauge assemblies off, or even remove the electrical connectors from the gauge cluster. Just be very careful, as the back of the gauge cluster is a paper thin circuit board (that the electrical contacts of the sockets contact).

The radio/center console doesn't need to be removed so much as just pulled out a bit so that you can pull the dash piece that is around the cluster out.

-Jim

Last edited by PSKSAM2; Mar 29, 2004 at 06:05 AM.

Mar 29, 2004 | 07:16 PM

neufelda

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From: USA

Super!

Thanks for all the help.

Mar 29, 2004 | 08:53 PM

dusty1

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From: Chesapeake VA

Rockledge,

Just wanted you to know that the link you provided earlier in this thread no longer seems to work. Must be the new software.

Mar 29, 2004 | 10:02 PM

Rockledge

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From: Connecticut

Quote:

Originally Posted by dusty1

Rockledge,

Just wanted you to know that the link you provided earlier in this thread no longer seems to work. Must be the new software.

Hi dusty,

It seems to be working for me...?

Maybe try and copy & paste the address (without the FTE re-direct), and open the page in a seperate window, see if that helps.

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Mar 31, 2004 | 07:01 AM

Delta

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Joined: Feb 2004

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From: Central IN

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdh94ranger

Any one have info. on replacing them in a '94?

It is very similar to the link that Rockledge pointed to, only easier. I had to replace a bulb in my 94 Ranger.

1. Remove ash tray and radio. I used 4 nails pushed in the four square holes to remove the radio.

2. Pull off the outer trim bezel. Be careful although it isn't too flimsy. It just snaps on. You will have to move the automatic shift selecter to get it out.

3. Remove th clear plastic cover from the gauges. This is a good time to clean it!

4. Carefully remove the gauge clusters to the left or the tachometer to the right. (Wherever the bulbs are burned out. I don't think there are any bulbs behind the speedometer.) The gauges just pull out. Be careful not to damage them.

5. You should see the bulbs. The bulbs just pull out.

I hope this helps.

Mar 31, 2004 | 07:44 AM

#10

Sport400

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Joined: Jan 2004

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From: Grand Rapids,MI

I recently replaced 4 burnt out bulbs on my 93 Ranger without taking the bezel out, or dash apart. It is extreamly tight, however I was able to reach the back of the guage cluster and replace the blubs. Furthermore my 2001 Ranger was dusty and dirty inside the cluster so I had to take it apart and clean it. It actually was quite easy to take apart and put back together. I think I spent an hour, tops.