Dash cluster lighting???

[1996BLKBauer]

SO it seems that half of the lights on my cluster(gauges) have gone out (The side with the oil pressure, and volt gauge). I am just wondering how hard it is to take the cluster out and change the bulbs? what type of bulbs I need. and any threads, or videos that would be able to help me out, I really don't want to break anything.

I have a 1996 Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition V8 AWD 4 Door. Not sure if all that was needed, but it never hurts to give to much info.

Thanks for any help. just trying to fix whats broken before I do any modifications, such as a stereo, or exhaust, etc...

 

[Xplorer82]

here ya go, everything you need to know all in one thread.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=240166&highlight=cluster+lights

not too hard of a job, but ive had my dash apart so many times i can get it disassembled in 10-15 mins. you should have no trouble tho.

***pay attention on how to take the gear selector out.

 

[LONO100]

the bulbs you need are #194 i think. its not that hard, but it is time consuming. go to youtube and search for "cluster gauge ford explorer". theres a guy who does a series of videos on how to take it apart. its pretty helpful, just watch all of the videos in order and it will all make sense. good luck.

 

[LONO100]

oh yeah, and you might as well change out all of the bulbs and the two in the ac/heater controls while youre at it. it would suck to open all of that up, change out the onesthat burnt out, and then have to do it all over again.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

I planned on replacing all the bulbs regardless if they are out or not. don't want to do it again. on my AC/Heater control I have the digital display, and the buttons underneath are lit up, well actually only half are lit up? same situation, or does this involve more work? Also has anybody ever tried some larger bright white LED's?

 

[1996BLKBauer]

Spoke too soon, didn't even open up the link, and then noticed it is titled "Gauge Cluster LED Conversion". LOL.

 

[Joe Dirt]

You only need to replace the larger 194's, not the smaller idiot lights, just fyi- when you see how many are in there... lol

 

[bobflood]

I planned on replacing all the bulbs regardless if they are out or not. don't want to do it again. on my AC/Heater control I have the digital display, and the buttons underneath are lit up, well actually only half are lit up? same situation, or does this involve more work? Also has anybody ever tried some larger bright white LED's?

Also, keep in mind if you go the LED route: LEDs are polarity sensitive, so unlike bulbs they only work one way in the socket. Plug everything back in and test BEFORE you reassemble everything.

 

[Alphaboat]

oh yeah, and you might as well change out all of the bulbs and the two in the ac/heater controls while youre at it. it would suck to open all of that up, change out the onesthat burnt out, and then have to do it all over again.

I'm about to do the same service to my 1999 XLT.
Can you tell me how many bulbs I need to have on hand to change them all out.
Thanks!

 

[4rd Xplora]

Also, keep in mind if you go the LED route: LEDs are polarity sensitive, so unlike bulbs they only work one way in the socket. Plug everything back in and test BEFORE you reassemble everything.

True that. Just put LED's in the info center's control buttons and had them reversed so no lights worked. Glad I tested them before I re-installed the I.C. back.

 

[gadourym]

The bulbs are cheap, so it is best to replace them all. Save the ones that are still good, since they can be used in the heater control lights, or elsewhere, where they are easier to replace. You should be able to do them all easily in an hour or two. It is a close fit, but not imposible.

 

[Alphaboat]

I replaced all 6 of the back lights with 194LL bulbs.
3 of the 6 were burned out so I guess with all 6 lit up I'll need sunglasses now to drive at night

 

[1996BLKBauer]

I replaced all 6 of the back lights with 194LL bulbs.
3 of the 6 were burned out so I guess with all 6 lit up I'll need sunglasses now to drive at night

LOL... I think I will just dim them down a little. sunglasses at night seem a little bit dangerous.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Not to Corey Hart...

 

[drdoom]

Not to Corey Hart...

I was thinking the same thing! Good 'ol days...

 

[Joe Dirt]

I'll bet less than 50% of the people here get that joke...

 

[Alphaboat]

Count me in as one of the 49%.......Corey Hart who????

 

[bobflood]

count me in as one of the 49%.......corey hart who????

+1????