schadler
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- August 14, 2002
- Messages
- 112
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Allentown, PA
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- Explorer '97 XLT V8 AWD
Well, I followed the suggestions on this group to get the bulb for the Ford Contour to replace the bad bulb on my 97 X Cruise Control module on the steering wheel.
The bulb for the contour fits fine, but is a bit longer and narrower. This presents no fit problems, but the bluish sleeve from the old bulb has to be re-used, and it will be loose on the narrower Contour bulb. A dab of clear silicone worked fine to hold it in place. A bit of the bulb will not be covered by the old sleeve, but this does not affect the brightness or color much...it still looks like it should.
To get to the module (I pried the rubber cover off and could not get it back on), you have to remove the airbag and horn module (this is not as scary as it sounds). Just be sure to disconnect the negative terminal from the battery and wait 2 minutes. The 2 bolts on the sides of the steering wheel come off easily, and the module slides right out. There are 2 screws that hold each of the "button" modules to the wheel. Unrew these, and detach the ribbon cable that feed tha module, and you can get to it just fine.
I hope you all opt to do this, rahter than pay Ford the extra $$$ for the whole dang module. Ford makes a HUGE markup on parts, so you might as well pay for just what you need. Besides, if enough people do stuff like this, Ford may get the idea to carry the right parts, rather than what is economically convenient for them.
The bulb for the contour fits fine, but is a bit longer and narrower. This presents no fit problems, but the bluish sleeve from the old bulb has to be re-used, and it will be loose on the narrower Contour bulb. A dab of clear silicone worked fine to hold it in place. A bit of the bulb will not be covered by the old sleeve, but this does not affect the brightness or color much...it still looks like it should.
To get to the module (I pried the rubber cover off and could not get it back on), you have to remove the airbag and horn module (this is not as scary as it sounds). Just be sure to disconnect the negative terminal from the battery and wait 2 minutes. The 2 bolts on the sides of the steering wheel come off easily, and the module slides right out. There are 2 screws that hold each of the "button" modules to the wheel. Unrew these, and detach the ribbon cable that feed tha module, and you can get to it just fine.
I hope you all opt to do this, rahter than pay Ford the extra $$$ for the whole dang module. Ford makes a HUGE markup on parts, so you might as well pay for just what you need. Besides, if enough people do stuff like this, Ford may get the idea to carry the right parts, rather than what is economically convenient for them.
