Instrument cluster lights

[Loboheeler]

I have some lights out on the instrument cluster. The factory service manual shows there are both illumination and indicator lights. Question is are these the same type, or different? I checked at a NAPA store, and they only list one type. It was thought these were illumination lights. Should I check with a dealer to answer this question?

CHECK ENGINE light is one of those not working, and I need it for an emissions test. Not sure if there is another problem with it, but may have been from being on a lot because of a chronic minor emissions fault.

1996 XLT 5.0

 

[ilikecheese]

your check engine light is a " 37 " and every thing else is a " 194 " im pretty sure

 

[masospaghetti]

There are two bulb sizes in the cluster, 194's and 37's. The small ones (37) are for the indication lights, the larger ones are for the backlighting.

The only one that's different is the "Theft" light which is a special LED.

 

[radman]

Since you will be taking the dash apart to replace them, a real PIA, I would suggest getting the "long life" versions bulbs so you will never have to do that job again.

 

[koda2000]

R&R'ing the dash cluster isn't really difficult, just time consuming due to a bunch of screws and some bolts and don't forget to disconnect the PRNDL indicator's cable. Long Life (LL) bulbs are a must.

Tip: You may not have to purchase new warning light bulbs because you can steal them from optional equipment sockets that are unused on your vehicle. Ford puts bulbs into all the sockets, even the ones that aren't used. Illumination bulbs are # 194LL and you'll need six of those.

 

[masospaghetti]

Since you will be taking the dash apart to replace them, a real PIA, I would suggest getting the "long life" versions bulbs so you will never have to do that job again.

That's what I thought until I had to replace the bulbs in my GMC Envoy... GM soldered the bulbs onto the circuit board! Each one has to be desoldered and replaced.

 

[Loboheeler]

Tip: You may not have to purchase new warning light bulbs because you can steal them from optional equipment sockets that are unused on your vehicle. Ford puts bulbs into all the sockets, even the ones that aren't used. Illumination bulbs are # 194LL and you'll need six of those.

Yes, the 6 illumination bulbs are shown in the shop manual. Think I have 2 out for the Speedo and Tach.If the warning/indicator sockets were fully populated, I may have at least a couple spare in the 4WD location because it's an AWD. I will look at the cluster layout picture in the owners manual and on the vehicle, as my later shop manual has some different warning/indicator types and locations..

Where can I get these LL bulbs? NAPA only showed one type, and It may have been the 194 illumination bulbs as mentioned. The guy at NAPA thought that, as he had done a Ranger cluster.

 

[koda2000]

Yes, the 6 illumination bulbs are shown in the shop manual. Think I have 2 out for the Speedo and Tach.If the warning/indicator sockets were fully populated, I may have at least a couple spare in the 4WD location because it's an AWD. I will look at the cluster layout picture in the owners manual and on the vehicle, as my later shop manual has some different warning/indicator types and locations..

Where can I get these LL bulbs? NAPA only showed one type, and It may have been the 194 illumination bulbs as mentioned. The guy at NAPA thought that, as he had done a Ranger cluster.

Walmart sells them or you can get them off Amazon. Just make sure the part # says 194LL or LONGLIFE on the pkg. I would think most auto parts stores still stock them. Just be sure you don't buy 194 bulbs w/out the LL/LONGLIFE. They'll work, but they will not last very long. You will pull the old bulbs out of their black plastic bases and stick in the new bulbs. The gauge cluster bulbs should be marked on the circuit board where they go. This makes it easy to know which warning bulbs you can steal. I once replaced my CHECK ENGINE LIGHT bulb with my 4x4 bulb, as i had 2wd.

Here's an example from Amazon

 

[donalds]

X2 on Wal-Mart

 

[Loboheeler]

Walmart sells them or you can get them off Amazon. Just make sure the part # says 194LL or LONGLIFE on the pkg. I would think most auto parts stores still stock them. Just be sure you don't buy 194 bulbs w/out the LL/LONGLIFE. They'll work, but they will not last very long.

Prices for LL bulbs can be ridiculous. and not many local stores carry them. The local NAPA store only has standard bulbs in #37 and #194. The Amazon/Autozone price of $5.00-$5.50 for a 2 pack of #194LL is absurd. You can get these from major brands on rockauto.com for closer to $0.50. Same with the #37. For those low prices, I might replace all the illumination bulbs, and get a few warning/indication bulbs. .

 

[koda2000]

I agree the price of the bulbs is high, but I don't think you're going to find the LONG LIFE bulbs for .50 cents anywhere and, as previously stated, the cheap bulbs just don't last very long. Not worth the trouble required to have to replace to bulbs repeatedly. Bite the bullet and spend the $15-$20 for the LONG LIFE bulbs and you'll likely never have to mess with them again. As far as the #37 bulb, why would you buy a new one when I can almost guaranty you have multiple unused ones sitting in your cluster?

Here's a good deal on 10 #194LL bulbs (or just skip a burger and get them at WM):
SYLVANIA 194 Long Life Miniature Bulb, (Contains 10 Bulbs) | eBay

My last words on this subject.

 

[donalds]

Yeeyeee

 

[masospaghetti]

Long life bulbs usually trade a bit of brightness for more longevity, or use slightly more energy for the same light output. You'll see the same things for the "double life" or long life versions of household incandescent bulbs. If you drive the filament harder, it is more efficient, but won't last as long.

That being said, LL bulbs don't really cost much, if any, extra to make. The $5 / 2-pack is a ridiculous up-charge.

Rockauto has LL bulbs for $0.41/each - PHILIPS 194LL Longer Life $0.41

Also the original cluster bulbs from the factory were regular 194's - they are rated for 2,500 hours compared to the LL bulbs 5,000 hours. Realistically they will outlast the rest of the vehicle at this point.

 

[Loboheeler]

Mission accomplished, and much appreciate the help gang! There are also a number of YouTube videos that were very helpful.

A previous idiot "mechanic" had been in there before. Left out most of the panel screws, and the column metal protective plate. You don't really need the screws, as the metal clips hold the panels in firmly. The metal plate seems overkill. The headlight switch mount lugs were broken too (now repaired). The hood release was difficult. Some use two of the 7mm head screws, and some (mine) use smaller Phillips head screws. Having to pull the latch handle to get to the screws was difficult coming off, and might be more difficult going back on. I had to use a mirror and light to see the locations.

The main bezel is a SOB to get off, and even worse to get back on. Yes, the tilt and shift lever were down. The dimmer switch connector is very hard to get off. Worst mistake was not removing the shift indicator cable from below, and leave it attached to the cluster body. Thought you could remove the module from the cluster using some tabs, but that was a disaster. The cable housing end pulled out of the module. Slipped it back in and it seems OK, but hard not to stress it putting the cluster back in.