97 Instrument Panel light

[Jesca]

First post... new to this forum.

I have a 1997 5.0L V8 and my instrument panel light went out... How do I fix it? Is there an owner's manual that I can buy for all maintenance issues? Where's the best place to purchase one?

Thanks...

 

[konablue]

I have a '98 and a few lights went out. Behind which indicators did yours go out? It's quite a lengthy process and not for the light hearted. I can walk you through it if you want. Basically it involves taking the radio out, the black radio frame out, and 3 layers of panneling around the steering column. Since it's such a huge project my dad and I replaced every single bulb because murphy's law would have it that if you don't replace all of them, the second you put it all back together, another will go out.

 

[Jesca]

I have a '98 and a few lights went out. Behind which indicators did yours go out? It's quite a lengthy process and not for the light hearted. I can walk you through it if you want. Basically it involves taking the radio out, the black radio frame out, and 3 layers of panneling around the steering column. Since it's such a huge project my dad and I replaced every single bulb because murphy's law would have it that if you don't replace all of them, the second you put it all back together, another will go out.

Do you have a Ford Dealership manual or a Chilton's Service Manual for yours?

 

[Jesca]

The lights are out behind the speedometer and the rpm gauge, they sort of fade into the other parts of the instrument panel. You really have to take everything out huh? If you could walk me thru that I'd appreciate. Such a headache for teeny little bulbs.

 

[konablue]

I have the manual for a 99 for some reason but the cars are identical. I doubt the procedure would be in there anyway. Yeah I can try and remember all the steps for you. I have AM class right now though (I'm in highschool) but I'll try to write back when I get home. Something to keep in mind though is to take the radio out you will need to buy the ford radio pullers. They are two steel horseshoes that have little balls on the end. You stick them in the four holes on the faceplace to get it out. I happened to find mind while window shoping at best buy (look in the audio department). Also, when you do the project, once you get to the end, meaning behind the instrument panel, you'll need to take one bulb out and go match it up at the store, and better hope they have enough to raplace all the bulbs. My dad and I had to drive to three different auto stores to find enough. Theres some fatties and small ones too.

 

[jrsweger]

Maybe this will help. Dead Link Removed

 

[konablue]

yea thanks jrsweger, that thread pretty much sums it up