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Oct 21, 2004 | 01:37 AM

fordtrucklover94

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From: Charlotte, NC

gauge light

Ok, one of the lights in my instrument panel has burned out, does anyone here know what steps would be involved in replacing this bulb, is it even worth it, its a semi-aggravating thing at night, look down and part of your speedo and fuel gauge are dim. Any help would be greatly appreciated

Oct 21, 2004 | 07:42 AM

G2IC_Wraith

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Dec 2003

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From: Virginia

All of the lights back there are removable. Most cars I have ever worked on require the removal of the cluster. When you flip it around the lights usually turn 1/4, and pop out. Removing the cluster is usually a major pain, so allow plenty of time.

I don't know if any of the Rangers were made so you can replace them while still in the dash.

Oct 22, 2004 | 09:19 AM

fordtrucklover94

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From: Charlotte, NC

yeah, i planned on alloting a lot of time, i assume i'll have to dismantle part of the dash to get to the cluster and then take it out, I just wanted to know how it is set up in the back, is it like headlights and taillights where you just pop the bulb out, of is there some sort of plate back there to cover it? Just trying to get an idea of what to expect when I get back there.

Oct 22, 2004 | 10:22 AM

G2IC_Wraith

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From: Virginia

Your's is newer, but it should be about the same as mine since it is about the same as my Honda, Acura and Pontiac.

There is usually a cable to the speedo on the right, and 2 large wire plugs on either side. All are held in by clips on the plugs, and there is usually not much room to wiggle back there. Once you disconnect those the lights are just like larger X-mas tree lights on the strings. They look like little plastic caps from the back. Turn them about 1/4 turn and pull up. No wires are directly connected since they get their juice from the flat wire contacts on the back of the gauges. One ROYAL PAIN for replacing such a cheap part.

Oct 22, 2004 | 11:09 PM

AKranger

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I simply followed the instructions in manual. It does require removing several dash panels. Once the speedometer cable is disconnected, the cluster will tip out and give plenty of room to change bulbs.
I did remove the front glass (plastic) cover by accident but it gave me a chanch to clean the back side of that panel.
Oh yes, when reattaching the plastic housing around the steering column, watch where all those little tabs fit. I broke one trying to fit the housing.
One more thing, a month after I replaced the bulb, two more burnt out. Next time I will replace all the bulbs at once.

Oct 23, 2004 | 11:51 PM

maticuno

Posting Guru

Joined: Nov 2003

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From: California Desert

Before going through all that trouble of taking the dash apart, invest in a set of white face gauges to accent your interior.

Oct 27, 2004 | 11:02 AM

TJ-Ranger

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Joined: Jul 2003

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From: BC Canada

I know this may sound strange, but I too, have a lite out at my Temp gauge. So I was playing around under/behind the dash on my '88 just to see if I could feel/find the bulb..and I noticed by feel, that there was a type of material covering the area. Could see it exactly..but after playing around for a while..I mustve moved that piece of material..and low and behold.. I had lite at that guage. Well...it lasted for a while..but the lite is gone (or out) now... so Im not sure if its the same problem..or the bulb actually went out.
Just something else to fool around with, I guess.