Discuss How To: Instrument cluster bulb replacement - Page 2

Yeller · #16 10-29-2011, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boodaddy

Hello,

My dad has a 1997 Ford Ranger all his dash lights have burned out except for the speedometer light, and it is getting very dim. I am going to change all the lights, but the heater/ac lights have also stopped working. It it easy to change those as well? I'm not sure if it is a fuse out, or the lights.

How can I tell? It is getting cold out, and I don't want my dad to have to do this in the cold, so I am going to do it. I am a designer, so this should be really fun lol. Kinda like a blonde swimming in a corn field lol.

I have some images of my dash below. I appreciate your time and help. Are the dash lights the dame as the 1999 (6 194LL) ones?

Bobby

its probably just the bulbs.

heres my before and after pics

Before (dimmer switch ALLL the way up)

after (dimmer switch ALLL the way up)

it really wasnt all that hard to change the bulbs, just take your time and follow the how to. I suggest greasing the bulbs to

TomN · #17 10-29-2011, 09:31 PM

The HVAC panel is the same style bulb, but there is only 2 bulbs in it. If your doing this, you might as well upgrade to LEDs. The difference is night and day.

boodaddy · #18 10-30-2011, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OlYeller

its probably just the bulbs.

heres my before and after pics

Before (dimmer switch ALLL the way up)

after (dimmer switch ALLL the way up)

it really wasnt all that hard to change the bulbs, just take your time and follow the how to. I suggest greasing the bulbs to

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomN

The HVAC panel is the same style bulb, but there is only 2 bulbs in it. If your doing this, you might as well upgrade to LEDs. The difference is night and day.

Man. You guys are the best!. Thanks so much for the speedy replies and taking the time to help. I will defiantly take my time, and check into LEDs. I prefer those as well.

I appreciate your time
Bobby

gcextreme · #19 11-16-2011, 08:10 PM

What is the part number for the LED bulbs??? where can one get them? I dont see any LED small auto bulbs at walmart or my local fleet farm, and they both have tons of small bulbs, but no LEDs.
Maybe NAPA or O'Reilys???

Thanks

Yeller · #20 11-16-2011, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcextreme

What is the part number for the LED bulbs??? where can one get them? I dont see any LED small auto bulbs at walmart or my local fleet farm, and they both have tons of small bulbs, but no LEDs.
Maybe NAPA or O'Reilys???

Thanks

PM member Buggman!!!!!!!

best dude to buy LEDs from. no questions asked. end of story.

http://www.fordrangerforum.com/members/buggman.html

buggman ftw

BryFin83 · #21 01-17-2012, 01:15 AM

dumb question time: how long do i have to keep my truck in 1 since its a automatic? i don't want to waste gas.

STL · #22 01-17-2012, 02:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BryFin83

dumb question time: how long do i have to keep my truck in 1 since its a automatic? i don't want to waste gas.

Don't leave the truck running

Apply e-brake turn key over shift down to 1 do all the stuff to remove cluster then put it back in park and turn key off.

Just have it in 1 long enough get cluster out.

cencaltrucks · #23 01-18-2012, 02:57 PM

Heres mine with leds! I paid 20 $ for 20 leds! There 5smd!

Those work the best!

And you can do your air conditioning knobs.. It has two bulbs.and your fog light button! 4x4 knob if its 4x4! And you headlight knob! Those all use t5 bulbs!

cencaltrucks · #24 01-18-2012, 02:58 PM

timbits588 · #25 01-19-2012, 08:19 AM

keith was there a separate bulb for the headlight switch or does it get its light from the cluster bulbs? i'm just tryin to figure out how many il need total to do the instrument cluster and the HVAC. thanks!

NewShockerGuy · #26 01-19-2012, 09:20 AM

n/m

My pictures of my cluster are linked above from cencaltrucks. Those were my pics of my cluster when I used all white leds.

timbits588:

Contact buggman for the headlight led switch. I did and love it. The picture above shows mine in green. It's great having it on all the time.. I was so used to it never lit up that when it was now green looks so great!

-Nigel

timbits588 · #27 01-19-2012, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewShockerGuy

Contact buggman for the headlight led switch. I did and love it. The picture above shows mine in green. It's great having it on all the time.. I was so used to it never lit up that when it was now green looks so great!

-Nigel

thanks for the heads up!

cencaltrucks · #28 01-19-2012, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timbits588

keith was there a separate bulb for the headlight switch or does it get its light from the cluster bulbs? i'm just tryin to figure out how many il need total to do the instrument cluster and the HVAC. thanks!

Yea there seprate! Youll need 6 194! Or 8 if you wan to get crazy and do your rear licence plate bulbs as well! And 4 of the hvac bulbs! 2 for your airconditioner knobs. 1 for your 4x4. And one for your headlight knob!

Yeller · #29 01-19-2012, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cencaltrucks

Yea there seprate! Youll need 6 194! Or 8 if you wan to get crazy and do your rear licence plate bulbs as well! And 4 of the hvac bulbs! 2 for your airconditioner knobs. 1 for your 4x4. And one for your headlight knob!

No no no. HVAC uses 2 bulbs(bulb type depends on the HVAC you have......Yes there are different kinds) Headlight,4x4 and fog switches require special LED mods from buggman or pooleo.

Sent from my iPhone 4 using Tapatalk

cencaltrucks · #30 01-25-2012, 06:57 PM

I used all 194 5 smd leds for the back of the guages and replaced my a/c knobs and all the small bulbs inside my gauge cluster with those small leds!!! They do work!!! Lol i love them!! Where can you get the special bulbs for the headlight knob bulb and 4x4 knob bulbs!!!