Ok got a problem here. One of my dash lights behind the stock tach went out awhile ago. I didnt have it changed out cause it wasnt really a problem. Now the dash light behind the gas gauge and temp gauge has gone out too. Now Im afraid at some point they will all eventually go out so I need to know how to get back there and change them out without tearing my dash or truck to $***! Anybody know how to get behind the dash to the gauge lights??? PLease let me know. The're droppin like flies!
Ya Boy, Tek

 

you should get a workshop manual there are way too many plastic pieces that like to break if not removed propperly or in the right order. you will be taking most of the drivers side and some of the middle of the dash out to get to the cluster where the lights are.

i beleive they are all the basic GE 194 style bulb.

lots of 7 and 8 mm bolts and pulling on things that seem like they are about to break.

goodluck.

 

what year truck? I have done the 98 model I have and can write you through it. I don't know about later models.

 

Its a 1997 Ford F150 xlt, single cab. Any idea on places to take it to maybe get them to fix. Without costing me an arm and a leg. Sounds like an ordeal.

 

get the Haynes Repair Manual. it $15 and will tell you exactly how to do it. i did mine and it was very easy.

 

i have a haynes manual and tried mine...i hate dash work...frustrated the out of me so i just got all of the dash apart...cussin all the way (not really ) then i put it back together before i broke everything...so i'm living life a little less bright at night (the only light i've really got is the speedo...). so hope you have better luck/more patience then me.

 

I have the same exact lights out in my truck. Taking it to a shop won't help. That will only guarantee that something will be broken and left broken. Do you think mechanics care or have more than a few marbles in their heads? (most mechanics) It sounds like an ordeal, but I will do this myself. I can break my own truck for free!

It started with one of the speedo bulbs, then another speedo bulb (two lower ones, it seems), then this morning on the way to work, the gas and temp guage went out (XL cluster). So now I have to fix it. I am planning and would suggest to change ALL the bulbs even the good ones to prevent having to do this again soon. You'd think they would use better bulbs, I've never see burnt out bulbs (dash lights) in a car less than 20 years old!

 

srfd44, I would love the help. Please email or IM me. My info should be accessible from my profile. I could not contact you at all as all your info and IM is disabled.

 

I have had problems with the cluster in my 97 f-150 XLT 4x4 4.6 V8. This truck has only 43K on it. It started with the low fuel and oil temp/pressure light getting stuck on. I paid $100.00 for a used one from a junkie out of a 98 Expedition and after installing it the speedo reads approx. 18 MPH at stand still and the tach reads 14-1500 RPM's at idle. I tried to swap the logic boards between them but 1 of the 3 connectors on the board is different. Anyone with info, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

SRFD44.. Can you please email me with detailed directions to change a burnt out dash bulb. I have a 98 F150 S/C 4x4 My email is in my profile info.. Right now my Tach light is out.. also please include what type or style of OEM bulb please... Thank you I appreciated that very much
Thanks 10 Pts

 

Yeah the 97 is down to one light behind the speedo. Funny that even my 92 has all the origional bulbs. Prolly the 88 and 84 are origional too.

Adrianspeeder