Instrument Cluster

[MENINBLK]

I've got a light out in my dash.
It is the bulb between the speedo and the tach.

Is it easy to pull out the instrument panel ?
If it is, I may paint the chrome rings on the black trim panel to dress it up.

[TooManyFords]

Oooh, Oooh, I've been waiting for a detailed description on taking the dash apart.

Please, if you post the how-to, be as detailed as possible so we can all learn how to do this.

[wchain]

let the dealer do it!

[MENINBLK]

let the dealer do it!

According to this its just 2 steps.
1 - Remove the trim.
2 - Remove the cluster.

Why would I let the dealer do it ?
They are just going to either,

1 - Replace the whole cluster for a BULB,
2 - Only replace the bulb that's out, instead of all of them,

I want the job done RIGHT...

[rocknrod]

I wouldnt follow those instructions.

There not complete. There's more than just remove the trim, remove the cluster.;)
But you go there

[Rider90]

Pull the trim off the dash, literally pull away and it clips off. Be careful as you need to disconnect the Defroster switch and some may need to disconnect the T/C and Pedals switch.

There are small bolts, black ones, about five or seven. Take them out.

Next, take out the two bolts that are hidden just above your steering column (on the dash) in front of the cluster. They're there, look up.

Tilt your steering wheel down.

Start pulling away at the whole dash piece starting from the drivers side - once that side is free - disconnect the headlight switch from the back.

Continue pulling and everything will come free, turn it over a little so you can clear the steering wheel as you pull it out.

Next you have a whole strip (or two) of wires clipped to the cluster. Undo all those bolts holding the cluster on, I forget how many - four on bottom, two on top? It's been awhile.

Pull the cluster out slowly and get your hand back there to disconnect the cluster from all remaining wire strands - now the custer is free.

The bulbs simply twist out to replace them and the new ones will twist back in. No wires involved as this is what looks like a thin sheet of circuits keeping the power flowing to each bulb.

I have never taken the cluster apart and if you decide to, be very careful. This is something that can come back and bite you in the arse if you get suspected for Odometer Fraud. Not saying you cannot be delicate enough, I have no clue, but just be careful my friend. I hope I helped.

[SergntMac]

Everything Rider90 says ^ there, just be gentle pulling on the plastic. Headlight switch gave me the most resistance, but everything is plug and play, remarkably simple for such an expensive car.

The cluster (once it's out) isn't fancy either. You can take the whole thing apart, and you may find it an interesting exploration. The speedo itself, is a sealed unit, so, no problems there. You'll find lots of spaces to add custom features, like LEDs for accessories (e-water pump, and so on). This is more time consuming than difficult, just be patient with the plastic fastners.

[RoyLPita]

You also have to disconnect your radio. You will lose your station memory.

[wchain]

Heres the other two pages of the repair,too big to attach to the board

http://www.innovativeinterceptors.com/pg2.pdf
http://www.innovativeinterceptors.com/pg3.pdf

[SergntMac]

You also have to disconnect your radio. You will lose your station memory.
Yep, you're right Roy. That slipped my mind, sorry. Here's a pic of the general area, that facia with the AC vents in it, is one solid piece across the dash, and you have to pull the radio to get it off. Still, it's not such an overwhelming task, just have to be patient.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=6391&cat=500&page=1

[Zack]

Its a 5 minute job to get it out.
I took mine out when the car was less than a month old and took it apart to clean the plexiglass that was filthy inside from the factory.