Hello all-

When I first bought my 98' Exp, a few of the lights were out in the dash, but they didn't really bother me. It seemed like overnight, I lost another 3 or 4. All I can see now is the barely top of my fuel gauge, speedo 10-50mph, and the tach from about 2k-4k. I've called a few auto parts stores and they seem to think that there aren't any actual bulbs to replace, but a "motherboard"?

If anyone's would care to shed some light on the subject (pun intended) of whether I need new bulbs or a motherboard, and how I'd go along replacing said bulbs or motherboard, and what a new motherboard would run, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

I did a write up on this, do a search, many have tackled this job. The hardest part is to remove the headlight **** assembly because there is a screw behind it that needs to come out.

The bulbs are loated behind the cluster, which you will need to completely remove. The gear indicator in the cluster slides out to allow complete removal.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the fast response. Search the forums or ???

 

Search for instrument cluster bulbs

Here's my short write up:

I have done this on My 98. It is easy but somewhat time consuming. A haynes manual will help you, particually in the headlight switch removal, as this is the hardest part

Pop off the plastic cover piece over the steering wheel. it's held in just by clips.

This will reveal some of the mounting screws around the plastic that frames the instrument cluster. You will need to remove them as well as the ones at the top of the frame.

The headlight switch needs to be removed because there is one screw behind it that needs to be removed. Pull the switch **** out. This will reveal a little hole at the bottom of the **** where a jewlers screwdriver can be inserted to push the release mechanism for the ****. Remove the **** and reinstall 180 degrees. Turn the **** which will bring in the holding tabs, you may have to pry a bit while turning, so be carefull you don't mar the dash. Remove the switch an disconnect the wires, the hidden screw should be obvious now.

Set the tilt on the steering wheel all the way down, with all the screws removed, remove the plastic frame for the instrument cluster. now the 4 bolts that hold the cluser in shoud be revealed. Remove them.

Disconnect the wires to the cluster, if you have an automatic, slide the indicator guage out of the cluster, its held in by tabs that are obvious (need small hands for this). Wiggle the cluser out and place on a clean rag. The indicator bulbs are marked behind the cluster. They quarter turn twist out and may need pliers to help turn them.

Be sure to replace all illumination bulbs or you will be doing this again.

Reinstall is reverse of course. Take you time, and as said before, get a Haynes Manual.


Good luck

 

Awesome awesome awesome. I've got a manual and bulbs on hold at a parts store, picking them up after I get off work. We'll see how this turns out. Thanks again! Come to Denver, you've got a couple beers waiting for you.