Indiglo gauges install, or HOW TO REMOVE CLUSTER!! ( warning 22 pictures )

*bigtigexplorer* · 10-24-2001, 11:21 AM

This write up is for the installation of Indiglo gauges purchased from http://www.IndigloGauges.com into a 1999 Ford Explorer XLT 4x4.

Disclaimer: Follow these instructions at your own risk. I will not assume any reasonability for personal injury or vehicle damage cause as a result of these instructions.

Sorry guys just had to cover my butt. =)

Remove 2 screws from the under radio trim using a 7mm socket.

Remove 3 screws from above the gauges using a 7mm socket.

Remove 4 screws from under the dash using a 7mm socket. Gently pull on the top of the plastic to remove it.

Remove the top 2 screws using a 8mm socket.

Gently pull the steel plate down and remove the 2 exposed screws using a 7mm socket.

Gently pull the radio trim out and unplug the four-wheel drive ( if equipped ), also disconnect the lighter connections.

Pull the right side of dash panel out slightly. This may be easier if you shift into 1st gear.

Directly behind the right side of the dash panel there is a plug to disconnect.

Gently pull the left side of the panel out.

Disconnect the 2 plugs from the panel before removing it completely.

Using a 7mm socket remove the 4 screws, 2 on each side of the instrument cluster.

Gently pull the instrument cluster forward and tip the top back to expose the gear indicator. Push the two tabs (circled in blue) toward each other and GENTLY slide the indicator out of the cluster.

Pull the cluster forward and disconnect the 3 plug on the back and remove the cluster.

Put the cluster on your work bench and go grab a beer, the real fun is about to begin. Remove the 7 screws holding the bezel with a 5.5mm socket, you could also use a small torx screw driver or an allen wrench.

Gently pry the needle keeper out. Slide the indiglo gauge over the needles and replace the needle keeper.

Repeat this process for the other 2 gauges.

Once all the gauges are installed put the cluster back in the dash. Don't screw it in yet, just connect the 3 plugs and reconnect the light and dimmer switch from the dash panel, but don't reinstall the panel yet. Turn on your flashers and adjust the indiglo gauges until the indicators line up. Once all the indicators are lined up secure the gauges in place with scotch tape and remove the cluster again.

Reattach the bezel. Don't tighten the top 3 screws to much you could damage the indiglo gauge.

Install the cluster back into the dash and route the wires to one side. This is a good point to connect the power converted supplied with the gauges. I didn't take pictures of it because it is a simple 2 wire connection. The black wire goes to a ground and the red wire is spliced into the white with black stripe wire coming from the light switch. Then plug the gauges into the converter and turn on the parking lights. At this point your gauges should come on.

And you done!! Well, you still have to put you dash back together.

Here is a shot of mine at night. You can see how big of a difference these gauges make when compared to stock. Enjoy you new gauges, I hope this write up proved to be useful.

David

aldive · 10-24-2001, 11:36 AM

Great post and very informative.

Thank you so much.....

tbomb · 10-24-2001, 11:48 AM

thats one hell of an informative post! and detailed too! thanks a lot, ive been thinking about installing those gauges.

looks great too!

oh, and, are they sending a replacement for the gas gauge for free?...just out of curiousity.

Bill Kemp · 10-24-2001, 11:53 AM

Dave, That was the best I've seen. I think even I could do it now.
Question...Do the guage lights dim like the regular lights do? Do you use the same dimmer roller switch?
Thanks for the write-up and pics.

aldive · 10-24-2001, 11:56 AM

Add to the questions...

What about coloring the indicator needles?

Thanks....

*bigtigexplorer* · 10-24-2001, 12:11 PM

Thanks guys, I didn't expect this kind of respones. Maybe we can get one of the moderaters to mark this thread as "Important" so it doesn't get lost.

Bill - The converter that comes with the kit is on the left, I modified it to the pic on the right. The knob controls the brightness and the switch controls the blue or green color.

Tbomb - Yeah their going to send a warrenty replacment as soon as I send the bad one back.

Aldive - I know its possible, I just not sure how.

tbomb · 10-24-2001, 02:49 PM

dave, if you get a chance, can you get up a pic of the gauges in blue and a pic of them in green?...(or just one of pic whatever isnt already shown?)

thanks,
jason

*bigtigexplorer* · 10-24-2001, 03:11 PM

The pick that I have of is the blue, I'll have to wait until tonight to get a decent pic of the green, but I'll get one.

RTStork · 10-24-2001, 07:34 PM

I love them! They look so much better than just the plain white guages.

Stephen S · 10-24-2001, 08:13 PM

Great job David. Very informative write up. I tried to do a dash panel removal write up but I didn't have any pictures to go with it. You did a nice job.

And by the way, the guages look great!

ChuckyD · 10-24-2001, 08:15 PM

Do they make that for a 93???

*bigtigexplorer* · 10-24-2001, 08:45 PM

Tbomb - Here are the pics, the digital camera didn't do a good job picking up the difference in colors, but there is a slight difference. Blue on the left, Green on the right.

Aldive - I did a little research and found a way to color the needles. Believe it or not a Sharpie permanent marker works great. I used red, but I sure other colors would work just as well.

ChuckyD - To my knowledge no, but I could be wrong.

ChuckyD · 10-24-2001, 09:01 PM

ehhhh it figures, more performance parts for the earlier models and more style parts for the newer models.

maddmatt · 10-24-2001, 09:30 PM

wow bigtex, (oops) I have been wondering how I could paint my needles. Great idea.. a sharpie, I would of never thought of that.

ChuckyD · 10-24-2001, 09:35 PM

I would love to take the credit, but thank Bigtig.... his idea.

**Ray Lobato** · 10-31-2001, 02:13 PM

Big Tig,
That's a great write up. I think it does deserve to be up on the top of the posts.

*bigtigexplorer* · 10-31-2001, 02:35 PM

Thanks Ray =)

As an update, I called IndigloGauges and they said they will be sending the replacement for the defective gauge out today. I'll be sure to post a pic of all the gauges when I get the replacment.

*bigtigexplorer* · 11-05-2001, 08:37 PM

Well the replacment came in, What do you think?

ChuckyD · 11-05-2001, 08:46 PM

looks real HOT!!!

Stephen S · 11-05-2001, 09:31 PM

The guages look great!! But the green gear selector would bother me. My gear selector lights up blue. Maybe you could swipe one from a 95-96 truck to try and get a little closer color to the indiglo guages. Just my opinion.

10-24-2001, 11:21 AM	#1
bigtigexplorer Elite Explorer Sierra Vista, AZ '99 XLT 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 730 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Indiglo gauges install, or HOW TO REMOVE CLUSTER!! ( warning 22 pictures ) This write up is for the installation of Indiglo gauges purchased from http://www.IndigloGauges.com into a 1999 Ford Explorer XLT 4x4. Disclaimer: Follow these instructions at your own risk. I will not assume any reasonability for personal injury or vehicle damage cause as a result of these instructions. Sorry guys just had to cover my butt. =) Remove 2 screws from the under radio trim using a 7mm socket. Remove 3 screws from above the gauges using a 7mm socket. Remove 4 screws from under the dash using a 7mm socket. Gently pull on the top of the plastic to remove it. Remove the top 2 screws using a 8mm socket. Gently pull the steel plate down and remove the 2 exposed screws using a 7mm socket. Gently pull the radio trim out and unplug the four-wheel drive ( if equipped ), also disconnect the lighter connections. Pull the right side of dash panel out slightly. This may be easier if you shift into 1st gear. Directly behind the right side of the dash panel there is a plug to disconnect. Gently pull the left side of the panel out. Disconnect the 2 plugs from the panel before removing it completely. Using a 7mm socket remove the 4 screws, 2 on each side of the instrument cluster. Gently pull the instrument cluster forward and tip the top back to expose the gear indicator. Push the two tabs (circled in blue) toward each other and GENTLY slide the indicator out of the cluster. Pull the cluster forward and disconnect the 3 plug on the back and remove the cluster. Put the cluster on your work bench and go grab a beer, the real fun is about to begin. Remove the 7 screws holding the bezel with a 5.5mm socket, you could also use a small torx screw driver or an allen wrench. Gently pry the needle keeper out. Slide the indiglo gauge over the needles and replace the needle keeper. Repeat this process for the other 2 gauges. Once all the gauges are installed put the cluster back in the dash. Don't screw it in yet, just connect the 3 plugs and reconnect the light and dimmer switch from the dash panel, but don't reinstall the panel yet. Turn on your flashers and adjust the indiglo gauges until the indicators line up. Once all the indicators are lined up secure the gauges in place with scotch tape and remove the cluster again. Reattach the bezel. Don't tighten the top 3 screws to much you could damage the indiglo gauge. Install the cluster back into the dash and route the wires to one side. This is a good point to connect the power converted supplied with the gauges. I didn't take pictures of it because it is a simple 2 wire connection. The black wire goes to a ground and the red wire is spliced into the white with black stripe wire coming from the light switch. Then plug the gauges into the converter and turn on the parking lights. At this point your gauges should come on. And you done!! Well, you still have to put you dash back together. Here is a shot of mine at night. You can see how big of a difference these gauges make when compared to stock. Enjoy you new gauges, I hope this write up proved to be useful. David __________________ David '99 XLT 4x4, Acid etched glass, Clarion VRX755VD with 20gb IPOD Photo, 2 DEI 3065 6.5" Componet sets, Infinity Kappa Perfect 12.1 sub powered by MTX Thunder 152 amp in custom fiberglass enclosure, 3" BL, 2" TT and shackles, 33x12.50x15 BFG ATs mounted on 15x8 Ultra 154 rims, Manik one-piece brushguard, KC Daylighters, reverse fog lamp system, interior Blue/Green neon accents, Optima Red Top Battery "Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once" Last edited by bigtigexplorer; 03-06-2002 at 10:42 AM.

10-24-2001, 11:36 AM	#2
aldive Elite In Memoriam 1999 XLT Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 25,271 Vehicle Specs	Great post and very informative. Thank you so much..... __________________ Al Franklin My truck My Quest for 30 RIP Al Franklin! 1947-2010. Gone but not forgotten! :(

10-24-2001, 11:48 AM	#3
tbomb Wannabe Elite Explorer Levittown, NY (Long Island) 98 Sport 4.0 SOHC 4x4 Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 3,657 Vehicle Specs	thats one hell of an informative post! and detailed too! thanks a lot, ive been thinking about installing those gauges. looks great too! oh, and, are they sending a replacement for the gas gauge for free?...just out of curiousity. __________________ "Sometimes I dream That he is me Can't you see that's how I wish my X to be Like tbomb's, if my X could be like tbomb's." icon34

10-24-2001, 11:53 AM	#4
Bill Kemp Elite Moderator Emeritus Greenville, MI 98 Mountaineer 5.0 AWD Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 5,211 Vehicle Specs	Dave, That was the best I've seen. I think even I could do it now. Question...Do the guage lights dim like the regular lights do? Do you use the same dimmer roller switch? Thanks for the write-up and pics. __________________ Bill Kemp Mods to come..... 07 Lincoln MKX Clones are people two.

10-24-2001, 11:56 AM	#5
aldive Elite In Memoriam 1999 XLT Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 25,271 Vehicle Specs	Add to the questions... What about coloring the indicator needles? Thanks.... __________________ Al Franklin My truck My Quest for 30 RIP Al Franklin! 1947-2010. Gone but not forgotten! :(

10-24-2001, 12:11 PM	#6
bigtigexplorer Elite Explorer Sierra Vista, AZ '99 XLT 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 730 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Thanks guys, I didn't expect this kind of respones. Maybe we can get one of the moderaters to mark this thread as "Important" so it doesn't get lost. Bill - The converter that comes with the kit is on the left, I modified it to the pic on the right. The knob controls the brightness and the switch controls the blue or green color. Tbomb - Yeah their going to send a warrenty replacment as soon as I send the bad one back. Aldive - I know its possible, I just not sure how. __________________ David '99 XLT 4x4, Acid etched glass, Clarion VRX755VD with 20gb IPOD Photo, 2 DEI 3065 6.5" Componet sets, Infinity Kappa Perfect 12.1 sub powered by MTX Thunder 152 amp in custom fiberglass enclosure, 3" BL, 2" TT and shackles, 33x12.50x15 BFG ATs mounted on 15x8 Ultra 154 rims, Manik one-piece brushguard, KC Daylighters, reverse fog lamp system, interior Blue/Green neon accents, Optima Red Top Battery "Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once" Last edited by bigtigexplorer; 03-06-2002 at 10:45 AM.

10-24-2001, 02:49 PM	#7
tbomb Wannabe Elite Explorer Levittown, NY (Long Island) 98 Sport 4.0 SOHC 4x4 Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 3,657 Vehicle Specs	dave, if you get a chance, can you get up a pic of the gauges in blue and a pic of them in green?...(or just one of pic whatever isnt already shown?) thanks, jason __________________ "Sometimes I dream That he is me Can't you see that's how I wish my X to be Like tbomb's, if my X could be like tbomb's." icon34

10-24-2001, 03:11 PM	#8
bigtigexplorer Elite Explorer Sierra Vista, AZ '99 XLT 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 730 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	The pick that I have of is the blue, I'll have to wait until tonight to get a decent pic of the green, but I'll get one. __________________ David '99 XLT 4x4, Acid etched glass, Clarion VRX755VD with 20gb IPOD Photo, 2 DEI 3065 6.5" Componet sets, Infinity Kappa Perfect 12.1 sub powered by MTX Thunder 152 amp in custom fiberglass enclosure, 3" BL, 2" TT and shackles, 33x12.50x15 BFG ATs mounted on 15x8 Ultra 154 rims, Manik one-piece brushguard, KC Daylighters, reverse fog lamp system, interior Blue/Green neon accents, Optima Red Top Battery "Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once"

10-24-2001, 07:34 PM	#9
RTStork Wannabe Elite Explorer Grand Bay, AL 99 Explorer XLT 5.0L 2WD Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 1,192 Vehicle Specs	I love them! They look so much better than just the plain white guages. __________________ Pics of my Explorer Pics of my other vehicles 99 Explorer 5.0 K&N, Cut Air-Box, Flowmaster 40 Series Dual Exhaust, Eagle 201 rims

10-24-2001, 08:13 PM	#10
Stephen S Wannabe Elite Explorer Houston, TX '07 XLT Ironman Join Date: Nov 1999 Posts: 1,755 Vehicle Specs	Great job David. Very informative write up. I tried to do a dash panel removal write up but I didn't have any pictures to go with it. You did a nice job. And by the way, the guages look great! __________________ '07 XLT Ironman 4.0L 2WD

10-24-2001, 08:15 PM	#11
ChuckyD Moderator Emeritus Elite Explorer ECX Member Oceanside, NY 03 4Runner SR5 Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 3,866 Vehicle Specs	Do they make that for a 93??? __________________ ChuckyD's Mugshot and Info.. NEW PICTURE!!!!!!!! 10/02 "We know what we are, but know not what we may be." -- William Shakespeare http://www.myspace.com/therealsicilian9

10-24-2001, 08:45 PM	#12
bigtigexplorer Elite Explorer Sierra Vista, AZ '99 XLT 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 730 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Tbomb - Here are the pics, the digital camera didn't do a good job picking up the difference in colors, but there is a slight difference. Blue on the left, Green on the right. Aldive - I did a little research and found a way to color the needles. Believe it or not a Sharpie permanent marker works great. I used red, but I sure other colors would work just as well. ChuckyD - To my knowledge no, but I could be wrong. __________________ David '99 XLT 4x4, Acid etched glass, Clarion VRX755VD with 20gb IPOD Photo, 2 DEI 3065 6.5" Componet sets, Infinity Kappa Perfect 12.1 sub powered by MTX Thunder 152 amp in custom fiberglass enclosure, 3" BL, 2" TT and shackles, 33x12.50x15 BFG ATs mounted on 15x8 Ultra 154 rims, Manik one-piece brushguard, KC Daylighters, reverse fog lamp system, interior Blue/Green neon accents, Optima Red Top Battery "Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once"

10-24-2001, 09:01 PM	#13
ChuckyD Moderator Emeritus Elite Explorer ECX Member Oceanside, NY 03 4Runner SR5 Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 3,866 Vehicle Specs	ehhhh it figures, more performance parts for the earlier models and more style parts for the newer models. __________________ ChuckyD's Mugshot and Info.. NEW PICTURE!!!!!!!! 10/02 "We know what we are, but know not what we may be." -- William Shakespeare http://www.myspace.com/therealsicilian9

10-24-2001, 09:30 PM	#14
maddmatt Wannabe Elite Explorer San Angelo, TX 98 XLT Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 48 Vehicle Specs	wow bigtex, (oops) I have been wondering how I could paint my needles. Great idea.. a sharpie, I would of never thought of that. Last edited by maddmatt; 10-25-2001 at 08:46 AM.

10-24-2001, 09:35 PM	#15
ChuckyD Moderator Emeritus Elite Explorer ECX Member Oceanside, NY 03 4Runner SR5 Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 3,866 Vehicle Specs	I would love to take the credit, but thank Bigtig.... his idea. __________________ ChuckyD's Mugshot and Info.. NEW PICTURE!!!!!!!! 10/02 "We know what we are, but know not what we may be." -- William Shakespeare http://www.myspace.com/therealsicilian9

10-31-2001, 02:13 PM	#16
Ray Lobato Moderator Join Date: Feb 1999 Posts: 4,651 Vehicle Specs	Big Tig, That's a great write up. I think it does deserve to be up on the top of the posts. __________________ Happy Wheelin' Ray L.

10-31-2001, 02:35 PM	#17
bigtigexplorer Elite Explorer Sierra Vista, AZ '99 XLT 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 730 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Thanks Ray =) As an update, I called IndigloGauges and they said they will be sending the replacement for the defective gauge out today. I'll be sure to post a pic of all the gauges when I get the replacment. __________________ David '99 XLT 4x4, Acid etched glass, Clarion VRX755VD with 20gb IPOD Photo, 2 DEI 3065 6.5" Componet sets, Infinity Kappa Perfect 12.1 sub powered by MTX Thunder 152 amp in custom fiberglass enclosure, 3" BL, 2" TT and shackles, 33x12.50x15 BFG ATs mounted on 15x8 Ultra 154 rims, Manik one-piece brushguard, KC Daylighters, reverse fog lamp system, interior Blue/Green neon accents, Optima Red Top Battery "Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once"

11-05-2001, 08:37 PM	#18
bigtigexplorer Elite Explorer Sierra Vista, AZ '99 XLT 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 730 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Well the replacment came in, What do you think? __________________ David '99 XLT 4x4, Acid etched glass, Clarion VRX755VD with 20gb IPOD Photo, 2 DEI 3065 6.5" Componet sets, Infinity Kappa Perfect 12.1 sub powered by MTX Thunder 152 amp in custom fiberglass enclosure, 3" BL, 2" TT and shackles, 33x12.50x15 BFG ATs mounted on 15x8 Ultra 154 rims, Manik one-piece brushguard, KC Daylighters, reverse fog lamp system, interior Blue/Green neon accents, Optima Red Top Battery "Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once"

11-05-2001, 08:46 PM	#19
ChuckyD Moderator Emeritus Elite Explorer ECX Member Oceanside, NY 03 4Runner SR5 Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 3,866 Vehicle Specs	looks real HOT!!! __________________ ChuckyD's Mugshot and Info.. NEW PICTURE!!!!!!!! 10/02 "We know what we are, but know not what we may be." -- William Shakespeare http://www.myspace.com/therealsicilian9

11-05-2001, 09:31 PM	#20
Stephen S Wannabe Elite Explorer Houston, TX '07 XLT Ironman Join Date: Nov 1999 Posts: 1,755 Vehicle Specs	The guages look great!! But the green gear selector would bother me. My gear selector lights up blue. Maybe you could swipe one from a 95-96 truck to try and get a little closer color to the indiglo guages. Just my opinion. __________________ '07 XLT Ironman 4.0L 2WD