Instrument Cluster Bulb Replacement

SMOKEY MNT. ROB · #1 04-16-2009, 08:56 PM

I have a 97 Ranger and need to replace Instrument Cluster Bulb on the gas gauge side. Can anyone help talk me though it?

STL · #2 05-02-2009, 07:20 PM

this is a 1999, I'm not sure on what years will be the same.
It takes 6 194LL light bulbs, go ahead and change all 6 while the instrument cluster is out.

Step #1 Using a 7mm socket, remove the 2 screws holding the radio bezel

Step #2 Pull radio bezel out slightly

Step #3 Using 7mm socket, remove 4 screws holding kick-panel below steering wheel. Note: 2 screws are under hood release handle

STL · #3 05-02-2009, 07:20 PM

Step #4 Drop hood release bracket and pull kick panel out

Step #5 Using 8mm socket, remove 4 of the 5 screws holding kick panel metal brace

Step #6 Just loosen 5th screw in kick panel metal brace enough to drop brace to clear bottom 2 screws in instrument cluster bezel

Step #7 Using 7mm socket, remove bottom 2 screws in instrment cluster bezel

Step #8 Using 7mm socket, remove top 3 screws in instrument cluster bezel

Step #9 With tilt steering wheel, drop to lowest position. Also pull tranny shifter to "1" position (if automatic). Note: Make sure emergency brake is set! Pull Instrument cluster out from the
top

Step #10 Using 7mm socket, remove 4 screws holding instrument cluster

Step #11 Gently pull instrument cluster out from the right side, far enough to reach the 3 electrical connectors. Electrical connectors have release tabs to push in before pulling
connectors:

Step #12 Instrument cluster lights are in black caps. Turn caps counter-clockwise to remove light bulbs

Step #13 Light bulbs pull out of black caps

Reassemble in opposite direction

ryangtp89 · #4 06-25-2009, 01:09 PM

This is verry great info and highly detailed!! I'm gonna be doing this next weekend. Thanks for posting this!!!

TANMAN · #5 10-08-2009, 11:16 AM

Hey, awsome tut! do you know if it's possible to replace just the clear plastic lense covering the guages or do you have to purchase the entire cluster, I couldn't tell from the pics. Mine is pretty sctrached up and I would also like to get inside there to clean the dust that has collected over time.

Thanks

STL · #6 10-08-2009, 11:27 AM

Yes you can buy just the plastic piece just have to get one from a ford dealer

U have to buy the black part and the plastic cover as one piece though

CLICK HERE then on the left side click W/o tachometer so u can see the illustrated view

RANGER @ GT · #7 10-08-2009, 02:38 PM

Hey I'm doing that on my truck tomorrow, aprox how much time did it take STL, I ask because I have to take it all apart, drive to the store and get the bulbs.... I'm not sure that with the part number I can find them down here... I might need to bring a sample....

STL · #8 10-08-2009, 02:51 PM

U can use any of these bulbs to replace it with also might add to do all at the same time to save trouble of doing it again 3 weeks down the road
161
1815
194

If u choose to go with autozone click here

Amount of time depends really how fast you want it to go. I would day first time 35-40 minutes

RANGER @ GT · #9 10-09-2009, 08:41 AM

Thanks Mykhael I'll do it this afternoon, will take a befor and after pic to share... and if you can think of any last minute tips they are highly appreciated..

STL · #10 10-09-2009, 12:59 PM

Last minute tips

Keep track of the hardware last thing you wanna do is have something rattling and not have a screw or bolt for it

Fx4wannabe01 · #11 10-09-2009, 01:10 PM

bahh.....I've got SOOOO many extras cuz I tend to lose 'em!! I noticed the other day, I'm missing 4 total screws, 2 I completely didn't even know about!! Good thing I got like 24 spares! lol

STL · #12 10-09-2009, 02:28 PM

I either missed one or didn't get one tight on that metal deal and it was annoying for 2 weeks till I decided to fix it

RANGER @ GT · #13 10-09-2009, 03:54 PM

Did it, took about 1 hour including the drive to the shop to buy the replacements... changed all of em...

It was kinda diff because the sockets were sooo tight I thought about just giving up... eventually succeded !!

greyghost · #14 10-09-2009, 03:54 PM

when i had my buddy's apart to put his white face gauge kit in i didn't bother putting that metal plate back in and it's been fine so far..?

STL · #15 10-09-2009, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RANGER @ GT

Did it, took about 1 hour including the drive to the shop to buy the replacements... changed all of em...

It was kinda diff because the sockets were sooo tight I thought about just giving up... eventually succeded !!

Good deal

The sockets tight cause u used standard size?

Quote:

Originally Posted by greyghost

when i had my buddy's apart to put his white face gauge kit in i didn't bother putting that metal plate back in and it's been fine so far..?

metal part is just like a brace of some sort Would be fine without it