2007 dash lights

[floater180]

has anyone changed out the dash lights? i have 1 out by the gas gauge and it's driving me crazy, the owners manual says take it to the dealer for dash lights replacement.... i'm sure the will cost alot. so i'm sure someone out there has done this before so i'm wondering how and what bulbs i need. it can't be that hard because i've seen the cool speedo and tach overlays you can EASILY INSTALL, according to the makers and that would be 1/2 the battle getting to that part. any info will help alot. thanks guys.

 

[Tech By Trade]

I havent changed the lights, but I did have the dash apart to replace the Lens that cracked. There isnt too much to it. Have a look in the explorer forums, the guide is the same for the sport trac.

 

[Joey Threesticks]

has anyone changed out the dash lights? i have 1 out by the gas gauge and it's driving me crazy, the owners manual says take it to the dealer for dash lights replacement.... i'm sure the will cost alot. so i'm sure someone out there has done this before so i'm wondering how and what bulbs i need. it can't be that hard because i've seen the cool speedo and tach overlays you can EASILY INSTALL, according to the makers and that would be 1/2 the battle getting to that part. any info will help alot. thanks guys.

I just performed this job yesterday on my 2007 Explorer. I ordered some replacement LED's after finding that the OEM incandescent bulbs cost nearly $11 each.

The part I ordered was from superbrightled's, the product number is B8.4D, I got the white color. There are a total of I think 5 replaceable bulb sockets on the rear of the dash panel.
The removal/dissassembly is really very easy, and I'm certain you can get it done yourself with a little effort. Just twist the old bulbs about 1/2 turn and pull to remove. My existing bulbs had gotten a little gummy/soft in the heat, so I used a pair of needle-nosed pliers to turn them. I've heard from other forum members to not unplug that dash cluster though or it may cause a no-start condition, but I was able to complete the job without the need to unplug. I took some pictures along the way and a before-and-after as well, I'll post them when I get home to illustrate it for you all.

As far as the gear shift assembly. . . Mine is out as well, however I am not sure if that bulb is replaceable or not. Last I checked it looked like it was soldered into the assembly, so it may be a little more involved than the dash light replacement.

Anyways, I think the new bulbs are a vast improvement over the stock. I can finally tell how fast I'm going at night!

 

[Joey Threesticks]

I havent changed the lights, but I did have the dash apart to replace the Lens that cracked. There isnt too much to it. Have a look in the explorer forums, the guide is the same for the sport trac.

 

[Joey Threesticks]

has anyone changed out the dash lights? i have 1 out by the gas gauge and it's driving me crazy, the owners manual says take it to the dealer for dash lights replacement.... i'm sure the will cost alot. so i'm sure someone out there has done this before so i'm wondering how and what bulbs i need. it can't be that hard because i've seen the cool speedo and tach overlays you can EASILY INSTALL, according to the makers and that would be 1/2 the battle getting to that part. any info will help alot. thanks guys.

my apologies, that last photo does not show all 5 bulb sockets. There is one more where the coolant temp. Gauge is.

 

[rmcalis]

Are the LEDs brighter than the incandescent? Do they dim ok with the rest of the interior lights? I don't have any dead bulbs, but around dusk it is hard to see my instruments.

 

[Joey Threesticks]

Are the LEDs brighter than the incandescent? Do they dim ok with the rest of the interior lights? I don't have any dead bulbs, but around dusk it is hard to see my instruments.

They are a brighter than stock as far as I can tell. They dwarf the other bulbs in my interior at night. And yes they do dim like the stock bulbs. Be sure to bend the tabs back a little towards the back of the bulb when inserting them so they fit snug. You'll know when you've got it right.