How do I replace dash board lights?
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 24
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From: Custer, WA
How do I replace dash board lights?
Greetings All!
I have no dash lights...yes the fuse is fine. I need to know pretty much step by step how to take apart the lower part of the dashboard, and replace the bulb. I know it was working before I got the truck, and the fuse box tests positive for power, and has a good fuse.
Help!
Thanks,
RhainyC
I have no dash lights...yes the fuse is fine. I need to know pretty much step by step how to take apart the lower part of the dashboard, and replace the bulb. I know it was working before I got the truck, and the fuse box tests positive for power, and has a good fuse.
Help!
Thanks,
RhainyC
FTE Legend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 53,909
Likes: 2,375
From: NY and VA
Possibly the headlight switch dimmer control for the inst panel lights, there are several bulbs in the inst panel, doubtful if all would go at once. The dashpad will have to come off to get at the bulbs.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 984
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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
The guage cluster is held in by several screws, top and bottom. Remove them, and possibly the air vents on either side, and gently pull the panel out. You will have to get your hand in behind it to remove the speedo cable(plastic clip, and it's a PITA to remove).
Once that's off, it will pull out enough to be able to replace the bulbs.
I'd say try replacing the lheadlight switch first, as the rheostat that controls the dash panel dimming may have simply worn out. That's a fairly common problem, actually, and more likely than all of the bulbs burning out at once.
Once that's off, it will pull out enough to be able to replace the bulbs.
I'd say try replacing the lheadlight switch first, as the rheostat that controls the dash panel dimming may have simply worn out. That's a fairly common problem, actually, and more likely than all of the bulbs burning out at once.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 24
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From: Custer, WA
Ok Got that but....
Where are the screws that hold the cluster in place? I don't want to take apart the wrong thing... I will check into replacing the light/dimmer switch as well.
Also, I have a real hard time, since I have spinal arthritis, getting down to *look* up under the dash. Any tips on that? Positions etc?
Thanks,
RhainyC
Also, I have a real hard time, since I have spinal arthritis, getting down to *look* up under the dash. Any tips on that? Positions etc?
Thanks,
RhainyC
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 984
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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
The screws are around the instrument cluster itself(kind of between the plastic and the dash pad). One thing to note here. Pull gently on the panel once you have the screws removed. Sometimes there are hidden screws, and it won't release until they are removed as well. If it doesn't come easily, look carefully at where it's not moving, and possibly remove an adjacent panel to uncover the next screw or two.
As for getting under the dash to look. Ugh. I have a pinched nerve and some herniated disks so it isn't easy for me either. I usually just grin and bear it, when the need arises, or get a buddy to help me out. There's no way to get down there that's easy, unfortunately.
As for getting under the dash to look. Ugh. I have a pinched nerve and some herniated disks so it isn't easy for me either. I usually just grin and bear it, when the need arises, or get a buddy to help me out. There's no way to get down there that's easy, unfortunately.
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Joined: Sep 2005
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Hi there, I see you have a 1970 F100 too. I have a 1971 F100. I would appreciate it if you can answer a question for me.
Maybe it's a simple thing but I dont want to ruin anything on my truck.
I want to remove the dashboard ( the upper part ), I couldnt find any screws. Should it just pop out? Or is a double sided tape holding it? I am pulling on it but dowesnt want to come out? Have you ever taken yours out?
Thank you
Demir
Maybe it's a simple thing but I dont want to ruin anything on my truck.
I want to remove the dashboard ( the upper part ), I couldnt find any screws. Should it just pop out? Or is a double sided tape holding it? I am pulling on it but dowesnt want to come out? Have you ever taken yours out?
Thank you
Demir
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
You need to remove the plastic collar on the steering column(1 screw underneath) and the headlight ****, and wiper ****. you need some kind of hook tool or a really strong paper clip you can bend to push into the back of the ***** and release the retaining clip. Then there should be 4-6 screws along the top edge of the cover around the cluster, remove them, pull the cover forward then up to remove. There are several screws holding the cluster in, dont confuse them with the screws holding the clear cluster shield on, it's no big deal, just not what you are after. remove them, then reach behind and disconnect the speedo cable and wiring harness. The bulbs are under the little black caps on the back of the cluster, just a 1/4 turn is all thats required to release them. I would try and play with your headlight switch, turn the **** a couple times to see if the light flickers.
