'86 Ranger 'HOW TO' replace #194 Instrument Cluster Bulb

My left side 194 bulb that lights up my TEMP,OIL,WATER, & FUEL went kaput, but my SPEDOMETER side is fine. I removed my dash plate, and now see the two round lens covering these two units. I removed the larger screws on top and bottom, but this larger piece will not come out. I doubt i have to remove the 1/4" screws on the plastic lens over the SPEDOMETER, and the other left side to get to the bulb.

So anyway, How many #194 bulbs are on the backside, and what do I need to remove to get to them? The smaller two lens pieces, or the larger back plate?

Autozone has Sylvania two pack for $5.00. Since this is a 1986, I should replace ALL of them, so I won't be having to remove the dash again...the older this truck gets, the easier it is to break the interior trim pieces.

FORD does not stock these bulbs, they are all too common, and can be found anywhere.


Thank you!

I went to the STL's Posting about removal of the instrument cluster panel to get to the lights, but I need direction on a 1986 ranger, regular cab. I've searched with Google, and youtube, but nothing for my year.

I attached two photos.






As you can see, I removed the four screws holding the back plate on. They are the WHITE LARGER ARROWS with red outline.

This panel will not easily come out. I've done this before, but don't ever remember disconnecting the SPEEDOMETER cable to replace those 194 light bulbs before.

Am I supposed to remove the smaller BLUE ARROWS with WHITE TRIM smaller screws to get behind that left side plate?

Thanks...

Hey Jimmy I have the exact problem same year truck right now. I need to fix it asap. I commute dark winding roads at 5 am and need the guage lights. Have you had any luck yet?
Thanks Shaun

__________________
1986 Ranger 2.3 Litre 140,000+ Miles Bought this
Lil Bucket to use as a commuter.

i'll make a how to in the morning....i've done this many times

mine are actually LED now.

__________________
1996 XLT 2.3T "White Lightning" 5/7 dropped, Turbo street toy
2006 FX4 Off Road, DD, work in progress
1985 XLT 2.8L 4x4 "The Black Pearl" (retired but still around)
1987 XL 2.3L 2wd R.I.P.

Looks awesome Stiggy look forward to the how to.

__________________
1986 Ranger 2.3 Litre 140,000+ Miles Bought this
Lil Bucket to use as a commuter.

For the speedo side I was able to reach up in there and change the far right side bulb. At least gives me enough light to see how fast I am going. Still need to remove the cluster and change all the bulbs.

__________________
1986 Ranger 2.3 Litre 140,000+ Miles Bought this
Lil Bucket to use as a commuter.

didn't get a chance today to get new pics but i did remember that i had some pics of my 87.....

1. remove the dash plate by removing all the trim screw along the upper edge (the lip just above the radio) and remove the trim across the dash (around the headlight switch, cig lighter and above the glovebox) to remove the rest of the screws.



2. remove the screws holding the cluster pod in place (4 i think)
you'll also want to remove the speedo cable for ease of removal which is sometimes a PITA.
i usually reach up from underneath by the pedals (i've got long skinny arms) all you have to do is squeeze the plastic retainer ring at the back of the cluster and it should slide right off allowing you to tilt the cluster forward.




3. you should be able to either remove the cluster by unplugging the plugs on the back or just twist out all the bulb sockets and just change the bulbs with the cluster still in the truck.

there should be 2 bulbs on the speedometer side and 1 or 2 on the gauge side (i honestly don't remember its been so long)

all the illumination bulbs are 194's.....you can use 168's which are .5 watts brighter

__________________
1996 XLT 2.3T "White Lightning" 5/7 dropped, Turbo street toy
2006 FX4 Off Road, DD, work in progress
1985 XLT 2.8L 4x4 "The Black Pearl" (retired but still around)
1987 XL 2.3L 2wd R.I.P.