Instrument cluster lights

[rollinstone]

Search failed to provide an answer...actually, need to verify the light behind the headlight and dimmer switches...is it a 194? I've replaced the 194's in the cluster, but the light for those switches is in a different place.

 

[Varsity]

Assuming your headlight switch is burnt out/doesn't come on with the rest of the lights with your parking lights? If so, that's a super common problem with these Explorers and as far as I'm aware, it isn't just a drop-in replaceable bulb. I believe you need a whole new switch for that little light inside, pretty dumb. Although, if you're good with wiring, you can wire up a light or two for that switch but unless it's an LED, it may be a waste of time since apparently the switch comes on with the ignition.

I don't know about the dimmer switch... I'm pretty curious about this topic as well, so hopefully someone else can come and chime in...

 

[vroomzoomboom]

no, there is no light for the dimmer switch. the one for the head light switch do go fast because they are on all the time when the truck is running. there is a good write up in this link on how to make a LED light for the head light switch, and more to

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/296394/2002-ford-ranger-regular-cab/page-1

 

[bobflood]

Search failed to provide an answer...actually, need to verify the light behind the headlight and dimmer switches...is it a 194? I've replaced the 194's in the cluster, but the light for those switches is in a different place.

Use this link: http://autolumination.com/74.htm
About half way down you will find "Neo-Wedge Tall" bulbs in both LED and regular bulbs. They are direct replacement (though a bit shorter) for the existing bulb holder in the headlight switch. The bulb is in a small round insert with a slot in the middle in the back of the switch. Remember if you use LED that polarity is important - if it doesn't light up first time, take it out and rotate 180 degrees. The dimmer wheel does not appear to light up at all.

 

[rollinstone]

FYI...I called the dealer today to see what the headlight switch light costs...you won't believe this...parts guy says oh about $50...said they order them in a box of 10 for about $400...unbelievable! Jeebus, the switch itself only costs about $55. That can't be right.

If I can't get it from autolumination, fergitaboutit! I know where the frickin' switch is blindfolded.

BTW...the existing light is about 28 mm in length...the replacement at autolimination is 19 mm long...according to my math that's gonna be about 9 mm too short...IOW, the bulb is going to be quite recessed inside the holder...I don't think it's going to throw any light.

 

[fast_dave]

rollinstone -

You can replace the bulb that illuminates the Headlight Switch with Radio Shack Part Number 272-1092 for $2 for a (2) pack.

Here's a link to the bulbs:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103780

Here's a link to one of the many write ups on the forum:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=149874&highlight=Radio+shack+272-1092

HTH -

 

[bobflood]

BTW...the existing light is about 28 mm in length...the replacement at autolimination is 19 mm long...according to my math that's gonna be about 9 mm too short...IOW, the bulb is going to be quite recessed inside the holder...I don't think it's going to throw any light.

The autolumination "tall" bulb is a bit too short - when I measured it the difference was only 2-3mm however. I put the autolumination bulb in and it worked after a fashion; there was some light, but the middle indicator was noticably brighter than the two on either side. By this time I was just determined to make it "right" - so I put a new bulb (Radio Shack) in the old holder, reusing the "mouse condom" over the bulb. It's noticably better; but a real PITA for old eyes to do!! PS: I have gotten REALLY good at taking the insturment panel trim off!!!

Good luck!!

 

[Texan01]

Many years ago I got some of the blue windshield washer nozzle LED kits and put one in the headlight switch light.

It does not go through the hole for the original bulb, instead it's wedged between the switch and the bezel with the leads going to the bulb socket. Ghetto style but no one looks there, and 8 years later it still works, vs 6 weeks for the original bulbs.

Mine is a dark blue, perfect for night and not blinding the driver, but just enough to let people unfamilar with the truck find the switch.

 

[rollinstone]

Done! I got the two-bulb pack at Radio Shack per Fast Dave for $2 bucks, unwrapped the old bulb wires and pulled the bad bulb out, then put one of the new RS bulbs in the socket, rewired it, stuck it in the receptacle and she worked like a charm!

Sadly, the mouse condom got torn up when the clerk at my local parts store was trying to show me how to take out the bulb...""Yeah, you just pinch the bulb with your fingers and tug..." Condom tore right off. I didn't know enough then to tell her first ya gotta unwrap the wires...

Anyway, it's fine even with the white color...and not too bright if ya turn the dimmer down a notch.

Thanks guys for all the help!

 

[fast_dave]

This place has the "bulb condoms" aka silicone colored bulb caps - they are the last item at the bottom of the page.
Cost = $0.29 each Shipping is probably $10 ;-)

You'll probably have to buy a bigger one than the bulb (since the bulb is smaller in diameter their smallest size which is 5mm), and have it slip over and secure to the plastic housing that holds the bulb:

5mm, 6mm, 10mm
http://autolumination.com/74.htm

 

[rollinstone]

Thanks, Dave...I actually have the original...altho torn a bit on one side, it's useable...but even tho I'm now an expert at removing the dash panels, I'm going to wait until I really need to get back under there to slip it on...