How To: Replace instrument cluster bulbs

[asull85]

At some point, the bulbs in your instrument cluster will eventually burn out. Don't panic! Removing the instrument cluster is surprisingly easy and takes less than 10 minutes.

What you'll need:

• Ratchet
• Extension
• 9/32" socket
• Flat head screwdriver
• New bulbs
• A beverage

(dead links)

Before you begin, disconnect your battery. You'll be removing your instrument cluster and you don't want to fry it in the process.

Step 1:
Remove lower instrument panel cover. There are two screws holding it in place. I believe they are 9/32" cap screws. I don't have any photos of them as I removed them and never put them back in.

Step 2:
Remove upper instrument panel cover. There are two 9/32" cap screws holding this in place. After removing the screws, gently lift up on the panel until it pops free. There are three tabs at the top securing it to the dash. You may need to lower your steering wheel to remove the panel.


Step 3:
Remove the four 9/32" cap screws securing the instrument cluster to the dash. Pull the cluster toward you and rest it on the steering column. Very gently unplug the cluster from the harness. You may need to use a flathead screwdriver to assist you.


Step 4:
Once the cluster is removed from your Ex, bring it inside or wherever you feel like removing the bulbs. There are 7 bulbs that can be replaced. I replaced all of them with green LED's. Make sure if you use LED's that they are green. If you try to change the color, they won't light the panel properly. Use a flathead screwdriver to turn the bulbs about 1/8 of a turn to remove them. Once they were out, I had to add some solder to the contacts on the circuit board to make the connection with the LED bulbs.

Turn signals


Speedometer


Tachometer and Cruise Control


Fuel Gauge


Temperature Gauge


Step 5:
Plug the instrument cluster back in. Reconnect the battery and test the lights. If everything lights up, great! If not, try turning the bulbs 180 degrees. That should get them to light up. After testing the lights reinstall everything.

Step 6:
Enjoy your beverage

 

[Explorer75]

Thanks!

What brand of bulbs did you use?

 

[asull85]

Thanks!

What brand of bulbs did you use?

They are B8's from superbrightleds.com

https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/led-vehicle-replacement-bulbs/b8-led-bulb-high-power-instrument-panel-led/223/2589/

 

[Explorer75]

They are B8's from superbrightleds.com

https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/led-vehicle-replacement-bulbs/b8-led-bulb-high-power-instrument-panel-led/223/2589/

Those seem great, should never need replacement unless there´s a faulty LED.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Viper Driver]

Old thread but I just (Sep 2024) replaced some instrument cluster bulbs in my 2010 Explorer Limited.

Couple update notes. Watch this video as it’s perfect for how to get to the lights.



Valid for 2006-2010 Explorer/Mountaineers. I did not disconnect my battery. Some folks have reported gauges not working after pulling and reinstalling the instrument cluster. I did not have any problems. If you’re transitioning to LEDs (I stayed with OEM incandescent) remember you won’t be able to dim the console lights and may find them too bright (but they look nice). This is a 10 minute, simple job. Remove a total of 8 screws/cap bolts. Those are all 7mm. Remove 2 access panels and disconnect one wire harness (video does a great job of how). To remove the bulbs and put them back in, it’s a 6mm socket. For incandescent only, I found a 4 pack of bulbs that are identical to the OEMs I replaced on Amazon for $10. The bizarre thing is they’re listed for BMW and not Ford. They’re OSRAM brand, 12 volt, 1.5 watt and that’s what’s in the Explorer as OEM.

Amazon.com

Let there be light, and good luck.