Hi,
I'm new here, looks like a great forum. I need some help. I have a 2001 F350 and I need to change a couple bulbs that illuminate the instrument panel. How the heck do I change them??? I stuck my head as far as I could up behind the dash and can't see a darn thing. I shoved my hand into the abyss behind the dash and can't even feel a spot where the bulbs are. Do I have to pull the dash to change the bulbs???

Rick

 

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Here's what the manual says.

-Disconnect the battery.
-You have to remove the radio. You need some special u-shaped tools that go up in some holes on either side of the radio to release the radio.

-Remove the instrument panel cluster finish panel. This is the large panel that is behind the steering wheel, and around the guages. To do that you;
------Loosen the screws.
------Remove the instrument panel cluster finish panel.
------Disconnect the headlamp switch, panel dimmer switch, (if equipped) 4x4 switch, passenger air bag deactivation switch, power point, (if equipped) the parking aid switch electrical connectors.

Now you are finally at the instrument cluster. To take it out you:

-Lower the steering wheel.
-Remove the instrument cluster screws.
-Pull out the instrument cluster.

-If equipped, disconnect the transmission range indicator.
-Push in the two clips and pull out the transmission range indicator. Position the indicator aside.

-Remove the instrument cluster.
-Disconnect the electrical connectors.
-Remove the instrument cluster.

 

Franklins instructions are spot on as I have taken mine out a couple of times when I changed the gauge face. Easy to do, probably easier if you move the steering wheel as I forgot that mine actually moves and wrestled the dash bezel around it. Live and learn I guess. Do yourself a favor and get the ford radio keys to take the radio out, can be done with nails but is a piece of cake with the right tools. Screw size is an 8mm if I remember correct.

 

Thanks for the information. Sounds like a nice Sunday afternoon project.