Ranger-Forums - The Ultimate Ford Ranger Resource

Ranger-Forums - The Ultimate Ford Ranger Resource (https://www.ranger-forums.com/)
-   Interior, Exterior, & Electrical (https://www.ranger-forums.com/interior-exterior-electrical-123/)
-   -   How-To: Replacing Instrument Cluster Lights (https://www.ranger-forums.com/interior-exterior-electrical-123/how-replacing-instrument-cluster-lights-65263/)

tweiler72 Jul 2, 2021 08:56 AM

One thing to note that I discovered when switching over to LED bulbs in my '99. If the bulb has a red base, it is polarized and extremely hard to find. I was unable to find one locally at any store and ended up going to a JY and pulling a couple. And I discovered if you remove the bulb, it won't work period after replacing just the bulb in the socket. YMMV.

Jranger529 Jun 19, 2022 07:45 PM

Bulb socket
 

Originally Posted by Takeda (Post 965698)
Follow these instructions, and pictures to change the instrument cluster bulbs on a Ranger (mine 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

http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...4_ATreX-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...4_bmfCk-X2.jpg



Step #2 Pull radio bezel out slightly

http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...5_L62uQ-X2.jpg



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

http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...0_RJEgF-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...7_RnyST-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...3_BjR9W-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...4_rFVay-X2.jpg



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

http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...8_gC2m5-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...7_Zxcth-X2.jpg




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

http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...9_Z6UA7-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...6_zSEwR-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...2_vfpZM-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...6_7xk3N-X2.jpg



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

http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...9_yo37y-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...3_B4CSR-X2.jpg



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

http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...6_94KHA-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...8_CgaXB-X2.jpg



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

http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...1_tjbAd-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...1_yU65V-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...4_aA74k-X2.jpg



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


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...6_jrrsv-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...5_FkHVB-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...2_X6iKm-X2.jpg



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

http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...7_cUvZQ-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...1_s4nSq-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...0_FkCxr-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...6_p6Yfn-X2.jpg



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:


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...6_qBv2q-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...0_JXBcY-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...5_e6hpA-X2.jpg



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

http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...7_qSKJm-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...1_pSRzR-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...4_YEq5m-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...9_SsCb9-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...7_34ixN-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...4_xKu7w-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...8_nEKar-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...2_j847p-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...3_BYAZw-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...3_DijQA-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...3_f6u3q-X2.jpg



Step #13 Light bulbs pull out of black caps

http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...3_4yKSw-X2.jpg


http://Bob-Ayers.smugmug.com/photos/...3_3iFbw-X2.jpg



Reassemble in opposite direction

Does anyone happen to know the bulb socket type? Or will it automatically be the right one with the lightbulb?
thanks

DILLARD000 Jun 20, 2022 12:07 AM


Originally Posted by Jranger529 (Post 2207506)
...bulb socket type?

BackLamps
LitBulbs T10mmWedg*23mmLong 12volt 3\4watt Sylvania# 161\194
Sockets T10mmWedg*13mmCircuitHoleMt FordMotorCraft# c80z-13711-b
* Do Not Use Higher Wattage Bulbs, They Will Melt Plastic Sockets
* 6each In DashLeft InstrumentCluster
* 2each In DashCenter AirConSelectors

DutyLamps
LitBulbs T5mmWedg*18mmLong 12volt 9\13watt Sylvania# 906\912
Sockets T5mmWedg*7mmCircuitHoleMt FordMotorCraft# f57z-13b765-ba
* Do Not Use Higher Wattage Bulbs, They Will Melt Plastic Sockets
* 16each In DashLeft InstrumentCluster
* 2each In DashCenter 4WD+RearWindowSelectors, Sockets Require Mod\Add

Also, removing a small plastic section of the KneePanel thats unnecessarily entangled with the HoodRelease
Handle (circled in red in the pics below) allows easier access to the InstrumentCluster & SteeringColumn
components; the 4 UpperStabs & 2 LowerBolts are retained+adequate for mounting+securing the Panel.

Click for more info on Lamps for InstrumentCluster+DashCenter.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.ran...6539c82122.gif
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.ran...b3593fee84.gif

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.ran...b2af61adca.gif

sluggerbaloney Feb 17, 2025 10:34 AM

Planing to do this job this weekend, got these bulbs will they work? 2002 Ranger. Do I need 194's or 161's?




EdK Aug 6, 2025 01:06 AM

Excellent tutorial. Very well done.
I had to replace the bulbs for my 2000 Ranger XLT back in 2023.
I see your automatic is equipped with a tach, of course my 5 spd manual isn't. :rolleyes::smile:
These are the bulbs I used, purchased on Amazon-


DILLARD000 Aug 6, 2025 04:54 AM


Originally Posted by sluggerbaloney (Post 2236153)
Planing to do this job this weekend, got these bulbs will they work? 2002 Ranger. Do I need 194's or 161's?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BJEZEL6

Read my previous notes above


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:40 AM.


© 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands