Instrument Panel Lights
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
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I assume it's like my '97 - you have to remove the instrument panel. A Haynes manual has a good description of the procedure. The only special tool you need is a Torx screwdriver for one bolt. And when it comes to the instrument panel, it only goes together one way - just about impossible to screw up. Replace all bulbs while you have it out.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
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Yup - there's a ritual. You have to remove all the little panels around the steering wheel. And on the left (at least for my '97) you also remove the headlight switch...
Allow 2-3 hours - it took me the better part of 3 - the middle part was the trip to the parts store for the bulbs. Of course, you can take it to the Ford house - their quote to me 5 years ago was $147 + bulbs...
Allow 2-3 hours - it took me the better part of 3 - the middle part was the trip to the parts store for the bulbs. Of course, you can take it to the Ford house - their quote to me 5 years ago was $147 + bulbs...
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 58
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From: Ft. Collins, CO
So I pretty much have to completly take apart my entire dash to get to the instrument panel. If so I guess I know what I'll be doing tomorrow. Also, how did you get your head light panel off. I havn't figured that out yet. And did you have to take your entire dash apart. Pasenger side and all? Thanks again.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,013
Likes: 6
From: Cajun Country
Go to any parts store and buy a Haynes manual.There are step by step instructions on how to replace the lights,with pics.I did mine in about 3 hours.I did some cleaning while everything was apart. BTW,replace all the bulbs so you wont have to do it again later. 
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Collins, CO
Yea, I know that Haynes is a great book and I need to go and get one for my truck it's just that I'm a poor college kid who's trying to save some money any way that I can. When I get things apart I plan on changing all of the bulbs. Maybe I'll get one later on this year when I have some $$. Thanks for the advice.
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
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I'm about to fall asleep at the moment - check back here in the morning - I'll see about describing the complete ritual. Someone had posted the info here a while back, but I can't find it.
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Freshman User
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Well, I said I was sleepy last night - you don't need a Torx screwdriver - that's for the Multi-Function Switch.
1. Disconnect negative battery terminal, then the positive, wait 2 minutes.
2. Remove headlight switch. Turn switch to full on. Pry off **** (small screwdriver). Rotate **** 180 degrees from full on and re-install. Turn **** clockwise as for as possible and hold - this releases locking tab. Pull switch out (may have to wiggle it).
3. Pry out center trim panel by steering wheel (small screwdriver).
4. Drop tilt steering wheel. Remove trim screws from trim at top of instrument panel and pull trim off. I think you pull the top out and the bottom fits into some slots???
5. Remove instrument panel retaining screws (I think 4) around edge. Pull cluster out and disconnect stuff on back - don't worry - it only goes together one way. Find all bulbs (5 or 7??) and replace (they pull out and push in).
6. Doing the reverse, put it all back together. Done!
Hope this helps.
Oh, yeah - looked at my Haynes - Ford Pick-ups and Expedition Haynes Repair Manual (ISBN 1 56392 357 2) - you might try surfing for used/discounted prices. I recall being a poor college student...
1. Disconnect negative battery terminal, then the positive, wait 2 minutes.
2. Remove headlight switch. Turn switch to full on. Pry off **** (small screwdriver). Rotate **** 180 degrees from full on and re-install. Turn **** clockwise as for as possible and hold - this releases locking tab. Pull switch out (may have to wiggle it).
3. Pry out center trim panel by steering wheel (small screwdriver).
4. Drop tilt steering wheel. Remove trim screws from trim at top of instrument panel and pull trim off. I think you pull the top out and the bottom fits into some slots???
5. Remove instrument panel retaining screws (I think 4) around edge. Pull cluster out and disconnect stuff on back - don't worry - it only goes together one way. Find all bulbs (5 or 7??) and replace (they pull out and push in).
6. Doing the reverse, put it all back together. Done!
Hope this helps.
Oh, yeah - looked at my Haynes - Ford Pick-ups and Expedition Haynes Repair Manual (ISBN 1 56392 357 2) - you might try surfing for used/discounted prices. I recall being a poor college student...
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Collins, CO
ok, I have almost everything off that needs to be. I can see the right half of my instrument panel but I can't seem to get the light switch to come off. That is the only thing that is still holding the panel on. I have pried with a small screwdriver to try and get the **** off and it just won't come off. I don't want to pry much harder because I am afraid that I will break it. Maybe I am confused about your directions of turing to on and then trun 180 degrees. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks again.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,013
Likes: 6
From: Cajun Country
Turn the light switch **** to where it indicates the lights are on.Then,pry the **** off where the little white line on the **** is lined up with the on position.Rotate the **** 180 degrees and re-install.Turn the **** back to the off position.Now,rotate the **** clockwise to as far as you can go,while pulling outward on the headlight switch.This will release the locking tabs that hold the switch in.Re-install in reverse.
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Collins, CO
Well I got everything replaced. It took much longer than I expected but that is mainly because I could not get the light switch off. I still couldn't get the **** to come off as described but I did manage to get everything apart and get the bulbs replaced. Thank you all for lending me a hand. It was a huge help and it also saved me some $$ so thank you very much. Talk to you later.
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