Dash/Guage Lights
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2006
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Dash/Guage Lights
Some of the dash/guage lights have gone out on my truck. Of course, this kind of thing just eventually happens. Question is, how to I replace them? I cannot locate a good way to get behind the dash and replace the bulbs. I have heard from others that the dash in this truck is rather tricky, and that it doesn't always go back together right if you don't know what you are doing. I definatley DON'T know what I'm doing! Any pointers, ideas? I'd really like to be able to see my tachometer, second half of the speedometer, and oil/gas guages at night again! 
Thanks,
DaMajikNinja
1993 Ford Ranger XLT
4.0L V6 - Manual 2x2
Standard Cab - Long Bed
Thanks,
DaMajikNinja
1993 Ford Ranger XLT
4.0L V6 - Manual 2x2
Standard Cab - Long Bed
Last edited by damajikninja; Jul 25, 2006 at 03:57 PM. Reason: adding truck info
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
You'll need replacement bulbs and the ford radio removal tool (you can get it at Walmart).
Remove the radio.
Remove the two Torx bolts holding the ashtray in, remove the ashtray.
Grab the lip of the dash firmly, pull, it will pop loose. Do this all the way around.
Remove the dash.
Remove the 5-7 screws holding in the plastic cover peice.
Then you have access to the gauges.
That's it if I remember correctly.
RP
Zach
Remove the radio.
Remove the two Torx bolts holding the ashtray in, remove the ashtray.
Grab the lip of the dash firmly, pull, it will pop loose. Do this all the way around.
Remove the dash.
Remove the 5-7 screws holding in the plastic cover peice.
Then you have access to the gauges.
That's it if I remember correctly.
RP
Zach
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2006
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cool - i have an aftermarket Pioneer headunit - but i can get it out no problem. i still have the tool you are talking about though, from when i did take out the factory POS radio. heh
hopefully, this will go well. i'll give it a look-see tonight, and maybe some other guys will be able to confirm your instructions too - just to be sure.
Thanks!
hopefully, this will go well. i'll give it a look-see tonight, and maybe some other guys will be able to confirm your instructions too - just to be sure.
Thanks!
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 478
Likes: 0
From: ut
Ah...don't forget about the ole' speedo cable. I just had my instrument cluster out for repairs on the speedometer and it wasn't exactly easy to disconnect the cable. I wasn't really looking, but I think you need to remove the cluster completely to replace all the bulbs. Patience is the key and don't get P.O.'d while your working with it. Yours may not be so bad as my auto tranny. The shift lever and gear indicator (you know...Park, neutral, drive etc) were a real pain to work around. (figuratively and literally, as my bloody hands can prove). Rangerpilot's checklist is pretty much on the money though. Make sure you remove the screws that remove the cluster and not the screws that just remove the see-through cover...that won't do you any good. The bulbs are a quarter-turn-to-remove gizmo on the back of the cluster.
Last edited by sjwoody; Jul 27, 2006 at 11:26 PM.
