Ok, I need some help on getting the head light switch out on my 2002 f150 XL. I want to swap out the dash cluster for one with a tach but I cannot get the switch out. I have looked in my Haynes and check both ford servce CDs I have, but I cann't seem to get the **** off with out applying more force than I am comfortable with and and I don't want to break the switch. What am I missing, anyone who has done it and can help walk me though it please respond.
Thanks,

Tony

 

this may not help but i had problems with my switch and the auto lamp beams and i had to get my ford dealer to do that job....

 

on my 97' you have to remove the **** first and then rotate it 180degrees (i think) and put the **** back on and turn it. This releases the clip that holds the switch in place. The procedure was outlined in the haynes manual i have for the truck. Hope this helps some

 

Thanks, but it seems the 2002 are different somehow than the 97-99 models, I can't get the **** off and have poked under it with several small tools with no luck. Any one else know?

 

On a 2002 the switch just pries out. The manual says to use a "thin tool" to remove the switch. It advises against using a screwdriver as you might mar the trim panel.

 

You just pry it out very carefully

 

to abfreund

I have a similar problem now... how did you finnaly get it out? and also, did you have any trouble switching the clusters? eg. tach connections...

I just got a used gauge cluster out of e-bay to put on my XL and am not sure if it will just plug and play... did you have any trouble with the mileage?

Thanks, fcaetano

 

Here is an update on my quest to get a tach cluster in my 2002 XL. I just got back from the local dealer and they reprogrammed the used cluster I got for one hour of labor ($69 here in Indiana). I had the light switch and trim out and the old cluster ready to remove. I provided the new (used cluster) and the vin # from the vehicle it came from and whola, it worked. They did not hassel me about the milage difference, but made a note in their records and put a tag on my door that indicated the mileage at the time of the swap. I just finished putting the trim and light switch back in (one that has the fog light switch in it, fog lights to come later). Something I found interesting in doing all this was that the wiring for the fog lights along with the relays and the under the bumper wiring are allready on the truck. With the correct switch (about $38) you are in business with no extra wiring or holes in your dash. The tach was a surprise to the dealer as the mechanic doubted it would work, but I suggested he look at the part numbers and the wiring diagram as I had done and he. along with the service manger were surprised that it worked the first time with about 15 minutes of work with their magic computer. After some further checking, he told me I could have the used cluster reprogramed with the correct mileage, but didn't have a cost to do it. We all agreed to let go as is. So no problems to this point. It was suggested to go to a locksmith to get this done, but none in my area had a clue about doing it. So the end of the story is it can be done.

 

Good info
Thanks for letting us know how it went.

 

That has to make me wonder. Are all trucks wired for the best of the best. I had noticed a ford ranger I use in mexico had a antenna on it. This is a very basic stripped truck. no radio. so we pulled the panel off were the radio should be and there was the ant and radio connection. we then looked at the doors and they had speakers in them. is this the norm?

 

I can only speak from my experience on my 2002, but it seems that at least in the wiring harness, there is one main one and sub-system harnesses for the various options. It would be interesting to take one of my doors apart and see it the wiring is there for the window and locks. I know when I put the foglight switch in, all the wiring is was there and the wireing for the auto-on headlights is there as well, it it just unused. I found it interesting that the dealer service department doesn't seem to know much about the accessories. I suppose their knowledge is on a need to know basis. They really did get to thinking about offering the swap as this particular dealer really sells a lot of XLs and they remarked to me that many people had asked about a tach, but they didn't think it could be done. I have a Ford Factory Wiring Schematic that I picked up on Ebay which helped me understand which wire does what. That is where I got the idea for the foglight switch and the tach. Everything indicated wireing was there and the parts manager looked up the part numbers and said there were just the clusters for the F150s and Expeditions (no tach, tach, and HD or Lightning). As I have found with my students, a little research leads to a lot of information. I can say I really like the tach cluster and feel it was worth the effort.

 

hey !abfreund whats up you jus sloved my headache.i have a 2002 f-150 sc came without foglights it a xlt i put in a custom airdam. but i couldnot get anything out the wires that were already there (factory) now i know its the headlightswitch DAMN! all this tyme wasted thanks again