Dash Lights

[Dsands503]

I am going to change my dash lights in my 97 explorer because they are almost a burnt out. I was wondering if anyone has changed there own, and what the process of doing it looks like? Feel free to tag other posts, YouTube videos or anything that'll help

 

[AbbottK28]

I dont have any pics but there is a good write up on this site for how to get to the lights. I found it fairly easy took me about 30 minutes. Pretty simple just swap out the 6 bulbs on the back. The part number is 194 for the bulbs. Heres the write up: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=240166
Good luck!

 

[masospaghetti]

It's pretty simple, can be done in less than an hour if you've done it before. Maybe 2 hours for a first timer.

You have to remove the plastic shroud near the driver's knees (4 or 5 screws, 2 that also go through the hood release latch), the metal reinforcement plate behind the plastic shroud (another 5-6 bolts), The shroud around the HVAC and radio (2 screws hidden right above the HVAC controls), and then the cluster surround (5 screws). You don't have to remove the steering wheel. For an automatic, you have to remove the PRNDL indicator while removing the dash. 194 bulbs are used for the backlight, most of the indicators are #37 mini bulbs.

 

[bobflood]

I was able to replace the bulbs without disconnecting the PRNDL indicator. You should be able to tip the cluster far enough forward to access the bulb plugs. Good luck.

 

[Sheepdogg]

Also to be noted.... as I was able to change several dash lights, the 4x4 switch light could not be changed. It is sold only as a complete switch Assembly. I carefully removed the old light and installed a 12v led in its place. Switch $55, or led $2

 

[DjDom]

If you're going to swap the lights back there, I'd use LEDs. They make the cluster look nicer and work just as well, if not better than the regular bulbs.
Not to mention, they never burn out.

 

[bobflood]

If you are going to use LEDs, remember that unlike bulbs they are polarity sensitive. I would make sure all of them are working before I buttoned everything up. Good luck.