Hi gang...

When I turn my lights on a part of the dash is not illuminated. This is the low center portion of it. Mi guess is that one of them bulbs is out. How can I replace this? Whats the safest and easiest way to remove the dashboard for this?

Thanks

 

There is no easy way to get to the bulbs. OK - here we go...

1) Take the bottom section of the dash panel under the steering column off - 4 bolts - 2 on each side, 2 holding the hood latch - all on bottom.

2) Remove the steel plate behind that. About 4-6 bolts, 2 different sizes.

3) Remove the panel around the radio far enough that you can get to the pins of the dash panel on that side. 2 bolts under the radio.

4) Remove dash panel - 3 bolts under dash pad, 2 on each side of the steering column, and push pins on each side. Be careful pulling it out if you have an automatic. Easiest to pull the gearshift down to D1, and tilt steering wheel down.

5) Remove speedometer panel. 2 bolts on each side (I think that's all). You may have to take the plastic cover off the front of it. They require star head sockets, or a 5.5mm (I think that is what size they are)

6) Be careful of plugs on back of speedometer panel. Unplug them and turn the panel in your hands to where you can see the bulb sockets.

7) Change bulbs and put it all back together...


Fun huh !!!

It sounds bad, and it is, but it is easier to do than pay what it costs to have it done. Total time is around 1.5 hours for the first time you do it...

Hope this helps... if you run into a problem, let me know...

Good Luck!!!

 

Cobra ,I'm glad you typed that instead of me ,I'd still be typing!

Rich



Ford Trucks Built Tough!
not with rocks
Watch out "X" Mayor of Truckville

 

I was trying to go through it in my head as I typed - hope I didn't leave anything out!!!

 

Thanks a lot guys!!!

Will try next weekend!

 

I tried to do this on a 93 XLT and i was only able to get past the second step. What do i need to do differently on my explorer?

thanks,
chris

 

You don't have to replace the entire instrument cluster plug - just the light bulb - right? What type of lights do you need and where do you get them? Dealer item or local auto parts store?

 

His procedure is for 95' to 00' Explorers. I did it too. Amazing how Ford could use such cheap lamps in a truck that costs over $20K new.

The lamps for the steering wheel cruise control are another story. Those, you can't find replacements for, even though they unscrew from the sockets. You'll have to buy a new set of switches from Ford.

borland

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 28-Jun-02 AT 03:45 PM (EST)]I have an 96 Explorer XLT and know first hand the instrument cluster and the associated lightbulbs because I have torn it apart several times. I have been working on this electrical gremlin that is causing the o/d light to blink and the check engine light to come on... but the replacement lights are not the standard light bulb. Just wondering where do you get the replacement parts?

Thanks
Gary

 

Gary,

It's been over a year since I pulled the instrument panel, but I seem to recall that the bulbs pulled and replaced from the plastic plugs that unscrew from the back of the insturment panel. Bulbs are standard parts that can be bought at any auto parts store.

borland

 

Thanks borland - I will check my local parts store for the bulbs.

Now if you can only fix my flashing o/d light and check engine light that will not go off, I will be a happy camper.

Gary

 

to fix the 93 explorer dash light go to [link:www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/electrical/801.html|https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/electrical/801.html]


Chris

 

We're getting off the main subject but I want to make Gary a happy camper.

I had the same problem on my 95 EB.

I also noticed that the engine RPMs were jumping around a few hundred when the O/D started to flash.

I took it to the dealer and they found the the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) was bad. The sensor fails in a way that simulates intermittent full throttle to the transmission. This was causing the torque converter to unlock/lock repeatedly.

The sensor is $50 and it is aboslutely the simplest component to replace. It is right on top of the engine and one of the first things you see when you open the hood. There is a test procedure for the TPS if you are unsure.

 

 

I have my instrument cluster from a 95 explorer sitting next to me at this very moment. To replace the bulbs it looks like I should only have to twist the plugs on the back of the unit. Over many years I have learned not use bruit force on such things. It seems to me one must do something else other than just twist the plugs to remove the bulbs. As it is now I am not even sure if I should turn the plugs clockwise or counter clockwise. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you



Dave