Need to replace LED's for the Tach on my 2010 4WD KR SCrew. What LED's are the exact replacement? Anyone have a part number? supplier? website? I have searched the forums and am unable to find any information regarding the replacement.

 

I haven't seen someone take a 2010 cluster apart.

However, I have a feeling those LEDs are SMD. Which then require a rework station and knowledge.

 

Thank for your reply, ManualF150.

Working with SMD's do not present a problem. I have previously replaced all the green ones (head unit and window, lock snd light switches) in my 00 SCab with blue when i updated my instrument cluster.

My concern -in this case- is getting the same color as the factory lighting.

 

I would say your best bet is a junk yard. Find a cluster and harvest them.

Speaking of harvesting... I went to my local junkyard the other day and got a couple ECUs and this week I'm going to do an "equipment autopsy", then harvest some components for other uses.

 

That is a good thought. I would rather break something on a salvage learning how everything comes apart, too! Now, to track down the appropriate one.

 

I did this on my 2009 cluster which should be nearly identical inside. The size is 3528. The OE LEDs have four contacts, but luckily you can use the ones with only two contacts on our clusters -which makes soldering easier. These are also known as PLCC-2 LEDs. I don't recall exactly what the voltage at the LEDs were or where I got them (it was a while ago), but I did it after seeing these in a friend's 2012 F150. US Speedo LED instrument cluster kit. We both went with blue. It was a bit tedious to do, but well worth it.

 

Good to know.

I thought the newer clusters were SMD.

I love soldering.

 

Right on. I love soldering too – except when it comes to circuit boards. I'm not too proud to admit that I melted a few of the new LEDs in the process. Luckily I had a pack of 25, which was more than enough for some uh-ohs. I have another pack and was going to do them on the 2011 Taurus, but if/when I do, I'll probably use a solder paste instead of the .032 60/40 wire I was using. Plus I want to go back in and change out the PRND21 LEDs. I'd really like to do the rest of the LEDs in the truck too (HVAc module, window switches, etc.), but haven't had the motivation to tackle them yet.

The biggest PITA part of the instrument cluster was getting the needles back in the correct position. I'm quite finicky about little things like that. They're either right, or they aren't.

 

Instead of paste use RMA liquid flux with lead based solder. I recommend Kester 186.

A lot of these new circuit boards are made with stupid lead-free solder, which doesn't have the wetting abilities plus you need much higher heat.