How easy is this?

[Motorhead350]

I have said it before, but now I would like to do it myself. How do I change the light for the gas gage? Some have said it takes 2 hours because the whole dash must come apart and others on here said it takes 15 minutes. Taxi drivers, yes taxi drivers said it's only those two screws and you have access. I don't believe the taxi driver, but you never know. It was fixed and now it's doing this faded light thing again. How do I change this thing? Thanks.

[Marauderjack]

You have to:

1. Remove the radio

2. Remove the dash trim strips on either side of the steering wheel (have the pedal switch & TC switch on the left side and clock on the right (if you have a clock). These have snap pins and just pull off.:rolleyes:

3. Remove the screws from the bottom of the black trim that surrounds the gauge cluster (holds the radio) and the two screws above the cluster then pull the black trim piece out (has snap pins and can be a real PITA)! Tilting your steering wheel all the way down helps here!!:beer:

4. Remove four screws that hold the gauge cluster in and slide it out bottom first....You may be able to replace the light(s) without completely removing the cluster....If not you will have to unplug the two wire harnesses and completely remove the cluster.

5. Reverse order for re-installation....

Note: I would replace all of the lights since this is not a fun job and you don't really want to repeat it every month or so as the other lights will be burning out also!!:help:

It will take you a couple of hours the first time you do it and about an hour after you have done it once!!

Good Luck!!

Marauderjack:bandit:

[Shora]

You have to:

1. Remove the radio

2. Remove the dash trim strips on either side of the steering wheel (have the pedal switch & TC switch on the left side and clock on the right (if you have a clock). These have snap pins and just pull off.:rolleyes:

3. Remove the screws from the bottom of the black trim that surrounds the gauge cluster (holds the radio) and the two screws above the cluster then pull the black trim piece out (has snap pins and can be a real PITA)! Tilting your steering wheel all the way down helps here!!:beer:

4. Remove four screws that hold the gauge cluster in and slide it out bottom first....You may be able to replace the light(s) without completely removing the cluster....If not you will have to unplug the two wire harnesses and completely remove the cluster.

5. Reverse order for re-installation....

Note: I would replace all of the lights since this is not a fun job and you don't really want to repeat it every month or so as the other lights will be burning out also!!:help:

It will take you a couple of hours the first time you do it and about an hour after you have done it once!!

Good Luck!!

Marauderjack:bandit:

Mission and a half!

Thanks for the info.

[Motorhead350]

Sounds easy, but time consuming. I think I'll practice on a junkyard taxi Crown Vic first. Really. I'm printing this so thank you.

[Zack]

If anyone thinks the radio needs to be removed, you are grossly mistaken.

[Zack]

The first time I removed the gauge cluster, it took me less than 10 minutes.

[Loco1234]

what did you remove it for....?
To install your Top Secret Weapon of Mass Traction....!

LOL

[magindat]

If removing the dash/cluster to replace bulbs, perhaps install LED's rather that replace incandecants (sp?). Lifespan of the bulb would no longer be an issue.

[Motorhead350]

what did you remove it for....?
To install your Top Secret Weapon of Mass Traction....!

LOL

Read the top

[Dragcity]

Are L.E.D. lights 'dimable'?

[Shora]

Are L.E.D. lights 'dimable'?

And are they plug and play?

[Drock96Marquis]

If anyone thinks the radio needs to be removed, you are grossly mistaken.


Removing the radio takes under 30 seconds, and makes it sooooo much easier to get the cluster/radio surround off.

Also, the radio clips onto the surround, so you will be fighting the DIN clips on the radio if you don't remove it.


Make sure to use 194LL bulbs, they last longer than the typical 194s.


194/wedge base LED bulb replacements would be a direct fit.
*note, the cluster and warngin lamps are designed for the light pattern of an incandescent wedge base bulb. LEDs are much more directional.

[Loco1234]

Read the top


No NO No...
not you...

I was refering to ZACK and his mentioning of removal in minutes...

LOL

[Loco1234]

Make sure to use 194LL bulbs, they last longer than the typical 194s.


194/wedge base LED bulb replacements would be a direct fit.
*note, the cluster and warngin lamps are designed for the light pattern of an incandescent wedge base bulb. LEDs are much more directional.

Great Info........