Half of the dash lights in my 1992 Ranger are out. Is this a simple fix like replacing fuses or is it more complex lke ripping the dash apart?

Thanks

 

Sounds like you need to replace the bulbs, do all of them. Its about a half hour job but you do have to pull the instrument cluster out which is not really hard.

 

I just replaced mine not too long ago....You gotta replace the bulbs behind the cluster its not to hard, but disconnect the battery learning from experience....good luck to ya

 

That's great. Thanks.
But now where do I start? (I failed Auto 101 before I even got started).
Does the dash (cover) just somehow pop out, or are there screws hidden somewhere? Do I go in from under the steering column?

 

im not too sure where to start with a 92 ranger mine is a 96.....go to this site they will tell you
http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d800ba1f7.jsp
hope this helps...

 

My 97 has screws holding all the dash pieces on. When you do put everything back together, don't over tighten the screws for the instrument cluster. If you do, you might break the plastic, and it will rattle when you drive it. I did mine awhile ago, and its easy. Its all puzzled together, just take off whatever is necessary to get to the cluster.

Good luck.

 

Start with a shop manual for your truck, that should help with this and other things you'll end up wanting to do.

 

I have a 98 XLT 4.0L automatic and I also have several burned out instrument cluster lights. I attempted to replace them once but gave up before I killed something. I had the cluster in my hands but could get only one of the 4 electrical connections removed from the back. I did not want to thrash around too much back there since it could be too easy to wreck a trace (or worse) on the circuit board. I had to also remove the instrument cluster faceplate since it was easier to get behind the cluster with this out of the way. The cluster was then rubbing against the steering column though and I was afraid I'd break a gauge needle or the tach or speedometer needle(s). I had the tilt wheel down as far is it would go but that did not seem to help much. I am wondering if I should have dropped the entire steering column. I did not want to go this route if I could help it but if I have to I have to. If this is required, is there anything special I should know about before I start pulling things apart? Other than disconnecting the negative battery terminal and waiting for the air bag capacitor(s) to discharge? The other problem I ran into was that I could not for the life of me get the headlight switch to disconnect from that back of the dash panel so I could get this completely out of my way. I have read several threads were someone spoke of how "easy" it was to get the instrument cluster out. After my experience I have to wonder what "easy" actually referred to! Was I on the right path here or was there something I did not do that I should have done? I'm tired of looking at a "sunrise" (only the upper portion of the cluster is lit) instrument cluster. I'm either going to get these lights replaced or tape a Mini-Mag flashlight to the steering coulmn. Any advisce would be very greatly appreciated.

 

The dash on your 92 is like the dash on my former 94. About a year ago, I posted the details on how to get in there. Maybe do a search? Access to the cluster is not very difficult.

 

You're right about the headlight switch. I had a lot of trouble with that myself. I laid on my back on the floor with a pocket screwdriver for about 20 minutes before i got it released.

 

I appreciate the suggestions I have received so far. However, I'm still trying to get that piece of information I really need. I can tear the instrument panel down and get the cluster in my hands and I know that 3 of the 4 electrical connectors on the back of the cluster will be hard to remove since I've already been there. What I don't know is if there is a "trick" or other tidbit of information available that would help me here. I don't need to kill the thing trying to get it out. Should I or should I not drop the steering column? If yes, is there anything special I need to know about accomplishing this task since I've never done it before (besides disconnecting the negative battery terminal)? If anyone has been there and can point in the right direction I certainly would appreciate it. I really hate surprises.

 

96ranger2wd,

Thank you! The AutoZone site gave me what I needed

elkstom

 

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I have been able to reach behind the cluster once in my hands and remove the "bulb socket" with bulb (there are about 4 or 5 of them) without removing the whole cluster from the wire harness. I have done this on my 91 and my 97. Good luck! -Ed