Many dash lights burnt out

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Nov 21, 2006 | 03:23 PM

hartley

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Many dash lights burnt out

Hi
As seen by the subject my 99 B3000, has many lights not functioning, just how complicated is it to remove the dash. I would search the subject, but as yet do not have enough privilege to do so, also haynes says nothing about dash removal.

Thanks Hartley

Nov 21, 2006 | 04:01 PM

glenntorinosport

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dash lights

taking out the guage panel is not that difficult as I have done it many times on my 2001 b4000 first pop out the radio/heater bezel I forget if there are screws but check anyway you will have to un bolt the hood release underneath and 3 screws above guage lens after that unhook your prndl cable careful not to break it also there is a metal panel that must be removed also below steering column after all that then find the guage cluster screws undo and wiggle out the pod you will have to disconnect the wiring plugs by reaching behind panel take notes when you do this and dont lose any screws

Nov 23, 2006 | 08:30 PM

stan_02ranger

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From: Clemson, South Carolina

I had the same thing happen in my 02 Ranger. I did the work myself, and it took a couple of hours. It's not difficult, it's just a pain in the rear end. If I remember correctly, you'll only need a phillips head screwdriver, and a tool to pull the radio. The radio tool is only a couple of bucks at Advance. Go ahead and buy enough lamps to replace all of them. There are two types...and sorry, but I don't recall the sizes, but I seem to remember there being 8 of each type. I'm sure they can tell you which ones you need at the auto parts store.

When I did mine,my biggest fear was that I'd break some of the plastic. Fortunately, I went slow, and eventually got to the bulbs. Just take your time, and you should be able to do the job.

Nov 24, 2006 | 08:19 AM

jimw411

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From: Ventura ,ca. (near L.A.)

You do not need a tool to remove the radio. Remove the 2 screws on the bezel below the radio just above the a/c controls and the you can remove the whole bezel with the stereo atached all in one piece. You have to pull a little hard to get the bezel to pop out. Theres no reason to remove the radio seperatly since it's mounted to the bezel and the bezel has to come out any ways.

Nov 24, 2006 | 10:08 AM

pawpaw

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From: SW Va

As a side note, those that run the dash lights at the "full brighness" setting, seem to have more burned out dash lamps.

I've never had a problem with mine, but then I have my dimmer set to about half brightness!!!!

So try running them at some level less than full brightness, you may be pleasantly surprised with the results!!!!

Just a thought to ponder.

Nov 24, 2006 | 10:38 AM

agryphon

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From: B'more

Full brightness is kind of blinding anyway - once you get used to a dimmer setting, it's much easier to see...

Nov 24, 2006 | 11:46 AM

stan_02ranger

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Joined: Dec 2002

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From: Clemson, South Carolina

I walked out to the truck, and found that I had an extra set of lamps. I had bought a couple of extra. One of the two types of lamps is type 194. Specifically, I got the Sylvania 194 LL long life lamps. I purchased them at Advance, and think they're only about $2 per pack, with two lamps per pack. I also run mine at the brightest setting. Until I changed them on the Ranger, I had NEVER had a problem with dash lights burning out.

Also, I seem to remember having to pull the radio to get all the covers off, and that includes removing the two screws above the AC. Do some searching. I had asked the same question you had, about what it takes to replace the lamps, and someone sent me a link with detailed instructions...I'll see if I can find it and post it for you.

Edited to add:

Here is a link that Rockledge had posted. It's a good writeup on how to change the dash lights.

http://fordcustoms.com/techarticles/tech10/

Last edited by stan_02ranger; Nov 24, 2006 at 11:49 AM.