Instrument cluster

[mfg3502]

I have a 96 ex with a bad speedometer.All other guages are working fine.The speedometer goes as high as 50 mph then stays there.When at a stop it slowly retreats back down to the 20 mph range.Then sometimes it works fine.Took it to the dealer,said I needed a whole new instrument cluster.Cost was 333.00 just for the part not counting labor.My question is,could there be a sensor located some where that needs replacing? Some where around the tranny.Is the dealer just taking the easy way out and replacing the whole part itself? Also have a bad third brake light.Following another thread on that issue.Small things are starting to go wrong but they are adding up to big bucks to fix!!This is a great forum and I'm glad I found it.

 

[Sonicxtacy02]

Its most likely the cluster that needs replaced. Luckily the dealership isnt your only option. www.car-parts.com has clusters as low as 40 bucks. They're used, but still a better option than ford.

 

[NusenseSD]

You can also try Ebay or a local junkyard. I swapped the cluster out of my Ranger and it takes about 10 min to swap out the old cluster for the new. Make sure you get one with roughly the same mileage as what your explorer has.

To swap clusters you need to pull the center piece out that holds the radio and vents, undo the hood latch, remove the plastic piece under the steering wheel, and then remove the top bolts on the metal plate that is under the plastic piece you just took out. Now you need to remove about 5 screws and pull the dash out, it will give some resistance but if you gently pry with a screw driver it will just pop out.. The cluster is held in with I think 6 screws, but they are torx bits. Remove those screws and the cluster just pulls out.. On the back is a couple of wires that just pull out and you will need to remove the shifter indicator. Thats it.. It should come out with out any problems..

 

[mfg3502]

Since It's just my speedo,do you think I can get away with just replaceing that.Do not really want to mess around with the odmeter.Seen just the speedo on car-parts site.

 

[BBQ_HotDogs]

Wel if you just replace the speedo, then your indicators will be off, the needles. I have some that fits 98-01 but not the 95-97. But the difference is a couple of indicator lights. Your best bet is to find one that is close to the same mileage and use it.