I am a new to the world of Ford vehicles. The light illuminates the heat controls in the interior is not working. Is this easy to repair if so what is the process.

 

Sure is an easy fix.

The surround around the radio ( that includes the HVAC vents ) pulls off. After this, the HVAC panel is held on with 4 screws ( hex head if I am not mistaken ).
I did the brute force removal method the 1st time on my '01, grab the vents and pull.
The better way is to use a plastic trim tool. If you do not have one, you can use a plastic putty knife. The last method should be to use a screw driver, as it can scratch the plastic, and leave a notch in the edge of the trim.

If you want a picture tutorial, Pro-Fit International makes mounts, that you can download the direction for.

This is a link to the 1997-2003 install directions, which shows the dash apart ( right click save as ) :
http://www.pro-fit-intl.com/Adobe/LC-70-98.pdf

 

Thanks for the information. Is there a bulb or led light that it in there that needs replacing?

 

Those are bulbs ( 194 or 67/68 type bulbs look like an old flash bulb ).
Once you pull the bulb, it will have the number on the glass, just take it with to the parts store.