Today while driving my girlfriend to the mall and back I looked down to check my speed and noticed something... A dash like was out. It's the LED for where it tells you which gear you are in and from 0-30 mph. I had one go about 4 months ago and I'm a little worried that this is going to be a consistant problem. The local ford dealership fixed it last time no questions asked but I'd like to know if there was some way for me, at home, to take off the dash cover and replace the bulb. If I bring it in I have to leave it at least a day (policy for the dealership) and having to work nearly everday makes it a hassle. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

It's a 194 bulb. I still need to replace one of mine.

 

I would replace all six with Sylvania 194LL (long life) bulbs and, hopefully, be done with it for awhile. How-to's for removing the cluster assembly:

http://www.rangerpowersports.com/tec...5%2Bdash.shtml
http://www.explorerforum.com/Singlet...struments.html
http://experts.about.com/q/811/3435411.htm

You don't need to disassemble the cluster itself to replace the bulbs. They are in twist-out sockets and can be accessed on the back of the cluster.

 

That guide to removing your dash sucks. The first step made sense, but then I got confused. So I'll sorta tell you what to do as well as i can.
1. Do step one of RPS guide. Simply remove 4 bolts to remove plastic kick panel.
2. Remove metal panel, 4 bolts i believe.
...ehh i forgot a step so i cant help you; if you're fairly smart you can just do it on the go though. Ask John about replacing them with LEDs though. I replaced one and for two weeks it didnt work, then suddely one day it just kicked on. Also, the bulbs behind the dash seem to be interchangeable with just about every car on earth. My dad soldered the bulbs from our Mercedes into my truck, so technically my truck is a Mercedes Ranger.

Aaron

 

Yeah, that's a much better explanation. Thanks.