Instrument and indicator lights
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,229
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From: Oregon
Instrument and indicator lights
My turnsignal indicators and my dash lights are very hard to see, those that work.
'83 4.9L F-150
How do you reach them to replace them?
I had a kid (39) look and he couldn't see any of them.
Is there a better/brighter bulb to replace the stockers?
'83 4.9L F-150
How do you reach them to replace them?
I had a kid (39) look and he couldn't see any of them.
Is there a better/brighter bulb to replace the stockers?
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 725
Likes: 2
3 screws across the top of the dash, just under the dash pad.
that will get you to the plastic covers. can try cleaning them first.
if not, then 4 more phillips screws to remove the gauge cluster.
also need to un hook speedo cable and dash plug.
twist and turn to remove/replace bulbs.
could prolly get LEDs for them...mine were very dim untill i cleaned the lens
that will get you to the plastic covers. can try cleaning them first.
if not, then 4 more phillips screws to remove the gauge cluster.
also need to un hook speedo cable and dash plug.
twist and turn to remove/replace bulbs.
could prolly get LEDs for them...mine were very dim untill i cleaned the lens
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
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From: Virginia
The hardest part is getting the wiper **** off. The headlight **** comes off by pulling the **** out, and then reaching under the dash and push the secret button on the switch housing to release the button.
You can take a pencil eraser to clean the circuit board connections. The dim lighting usually comes from the blue lenses becoming cloudy that are mounted in the cluster. I took the pencil and ran it down the hole and poked the blue lenses out. and it really lite up the dash after that, but it was a yellowish light that some people don't like. If you can find some colored bulbs, you could put them in to give some color to it.
You can take a pencil eraser to clean the circuit board connections. The dim lighting usually comes from the blue lenses becoming cloudy that are mounted in the cluster. I took the pencil and ran it down the hole and poked the blue lenses out. and it really lite up the dash after that, but it was a yellowish light that some people don't like. If you can find some colored bulbs, you could put them in to give some color to it.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 725
Likes: 2
oh yeah, forgot about the *****..i used a big paper clip that i bent into an L shape. straighten it out, then bend the bottom piece about 1/2" long. Theres a notch on the back of the ****, slide the bent part into the **** and pull away from the shaft. It should release and let the **** slide off.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 6
From: Florida
It's important to be careful with these lenses.On some of the older less taken care of trucks,time gets to them and makes them very brittle.When I went to take mine off my truck,each and every single one of them crumbled with the lightest touch.So just be careful when taking them out.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Northern California
A small allen wrench will work.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
It's important to be careful with these lenses.On some of the older less taken care of trucks,time gets to them and makes them very brittle.When I went to take mine off my truck,each and every single one of them crumbled with the lightest touch.So just be careful when taking them out.
I do not know where to get replacements though. I would like to know actually.
They also make, or used to make, 194-B, (blue) 194-R, (Red) and 194-NA (amber).
