bulb replacement

[ewack]

I have a couple bulbs that are out. In my 98 EB Ex, I need a bulb for the rear window wiper button and the bulb for the headlight switch. I can't find them at auto stores and have called the dealer about them (they told me to buy a whole new switch), if anyone knows where I can find the number/place to find them that would be great.

Thanks,
E

[virgamanda]

I had to replace the exact bulbs on my 1997 Ex, and yes i replaced the switches. Try Ebay, that where I bought mine.

[ewack]

Thanks for the info, I'll check ebay.

[97explorersport]

The bulb in the light switch is a PITA. You can get a replacement at Radio Shack and fabricate it to fit. You need a 12 volt with solid wire leads. I did this and it's sooooo much cheaper than a switch. Also try a JY.

[Chief-295]

Bulb for the headlight switch (from Ford) is # F57Z-13B765-AC List price
$7.51 Alittle pricey, but easy to replace. Hope this helps.

[ewack]

I wanted to write back after trying the "fix" from radio shack...

I tried and it didn't go real well, so before i went to buy another bulb, I went to a junk yard and just bought 3 new switches for $5. It was a little tought to find the ones with green bulbs, but in the end, it was easier than doing the modifications myself. The headlight switch still didn't work, so I'm either going to go back and find another one, or buy the bulb from the dealer.

Overall, if you have this problem, I would suggest calling your local salvage yard and looking in ford explorers, ford rangers or mercury mountaineers...even better if you can find a yard that will let you search the vehicles yourself.

Thanks to all who replied to this post, if helped greatly.

- E

[whaler710]

How to get to the headlight switch to replace the bulb? My bulb is burnt out in the headlight witch of my 1999 ford Explorer. I am thinking that you take off the light switch knob and then take off the dash bezel around the headlight switch . . to get to the switch . .I have not done this before . .
If someone could provide me with helpful tips that would be great . .thanks

[ewack]

This was posted by njprman on google groups.

This was the exact list I used when replacing the lights in the dash. Make sure you have the proper bulb or a new switch before you start because you can't really drive your vehicle very easily once this procedure has begun.

1) Remove the 4 hex head screws on the lower panel below the steering
column.
2) You must now remove the two hex head screws holding the Hood Release
handle to the panel.
3) Now you must remove the medal panel you'll find underneath -- 5 hex
head screws.
4) Remove the plastic steering column cover -- 3 Phillips head screws.
5) Remove the two screws under the radio face plate and pull back the
entire trim piece housing the radio and climate control. You don't have
to remove it.
6) Lower the tilt wheel as far as possible.
7) Remove the hex head screws in the plastic dash bezel and now shimmy the
entire trim piece off to expose the instrument cluster.

---this should be where you need to stop and just pull out the switch for the headlights---

8) There are four black head hex head screws in the corner of the
instrument pod that you now need to remove.
9) Slide the instrument pod out enough to remove the 5 light bulbs. They
are the black or gray holders that turn out counter clockwise. Replace
them.
10) Reassemble the dash in the reverse order.

The entire procedure is much easier than it sounds and all hex heads are
7mm and 8mm fittings.

I hope this helps, it could be more specific, but I think this should get you started.

[whaler710]

ewack,

thanks very much . .this is exactly what I needed to start the job . .
I called the Ford garage and they wanted $40.00 to change the headlight switch bulb . . I try to do all of the repair work on my Explorer that I can. your quick response is appreciated . .

[whaler710]

ewack,

I replaced the headlight switch bulb this weekend on my 99 Ford Explorer. I would have never been able to do it without your input on the approach. Your procedure steps really helped walk me through it . . thanks again for the great advice . .
Whaler