Replace Dashboard Lamps

[tacomabobd]

Does anyone know how to replace the lamps in the dashboard of a 96 Windstar? I have several behind the gas gage that are out. I hate to take it to the dealer just to replace them.

[tripletdaddy]

Really a manual from parts store like Hatynes and looking up what you need to do on AutoZone.com is your best bet. At AZ you enter in your vehicle, go to the repair section and then the body section and then dash, instrument panel, etc. You may need some slim pry tools.

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by tacomabobd

Does anyone know how to replace the lamps in the dashboard of a 96 Windstar? I have several behind the gas gage that are out. I hate to take it to the dealer just to replace them.

Hello

Replacing the dash lights is easy. Getting to them is the harder part. The bezzel around the dash needs to be removed. Look for slightly hidden screws. Gently pull/pry and see what's moving and what's not. Check for more screws. Then there are screws aroud the insterment pannel. On my 95 the hardest part was getting the speedo cable disconected from the speedo. I know that the newer vehicals power the speedo with wires instead of using a cable. I'm not sure about your 96.

I believe they use halagen lights which cost a bit. However, non-halagen lights will work just fine.

I hope this helps a bit. Try it....take your time so you don't brake anything.

Regards,

Dan

[mtsav8or]

I didn't really use my haynes manual to get the instrument cluster out on my van. The previous post is accurate. Disconnect the battery before beginning. Remove all screws from the bezel and surrounding plastic, pry and pull gently to see what you missed, and then remove the rest. A battery powered drill with the appropriate bit drivers makes it a reasonably quick process.

Good luck!

[tacomabobd]

Hi all. My instrument cluster got really bad. I think I was down to two lamps around the speedometer. I finally bit the bullet and started tearing the dash apart. Between this forum and the Service Manual, I was able to get the instrument cluster out. Disconnecting the speedometer cable took some doing. I took notes and pictures as I removed the panels. I will post these to help others. There were 19 #194 lamps and I replaced them all. I replaced all the other lamps as I started to put panels back. If someone wants my notes before I get them posted, let me know and I will E-Mail them to you. I bought both the Service and the Electrical manuals for my Windstar on EBAY. They are indispensable. This forum rocks.

Thanks again
Bob

[kevink1955]

Bob

Please post what ever you have when you get a chance, my 96 is down to 1 dashboard lamp (unless you count the check engine light) and I am going to do them soon.

The service manual makes it sound like a major job, your discription sounds a little more "common sense" than the manual.

Thanks

[tacomabobd]

Here it is:
1. Disconnect the battery.
2. Remove the panel right under the steering column (2 screws).
3. Remove the panel under the first panel (3 Screws)
4. Pull the head light switch knob off. Then gently pull the panel off and disconnecting the lamp. There are no screws.
5. Remove the cluster opening panel.
. a. Remove the cup holder / ashtray
. b. Remove two screws that were hidden by the cup holder / ashtray
. c. Gently pry the cluster opening panel off.
. d. Disconnect the lamp, switches, and the cigarette lighter.
6. Remove two screws holding the panel right above the steering column.
7. Remove two screws holding the panel above the instrument cluster. Gently pry the panel off.
8. Remove the lower steering column cover.
. a. Unscrew the steering tilt lever.
. b. Remove three screws.
. c. Put the car into first gear to get the lever out of the way.
9. Drop the steering column.
. a. Remove the first four nuts (13mm) and plate.
. b. Unscrew the four remaining nuts to the end of the bolts. This should give you enough room to access the instrument cluster. If not, remove the upper steering column cover, which means that you have to remove the ignition lock cylinder.
10. Remove ten screws (torx 15) holding the instrument cluster face. Then remove the face being careful not to scratch it.
11. Disconnect the transmission linkage indicator by removing one screw (3/16) and gently removing the wire loop from the indicator.
12. Remove the speedometer cable from the engine compartment.
. a. Remove the MAF sensor and the air filter to access the speedometer cable.
. b. Disconnect the speedometer cable (not much room to work – short wrenches).
13. Gently pull the instrument cluster out far enough to reach the two electrical connectors.
14. Squeeze each side of the connectors to release their retainers.
15. Squeeze the white speedometer retainer to release it.
16. The instrument cluster is now free and the nineteen #194 lamps can be replaced with a counter clock wise motion.

Note: Pictures are uploaded to webshots.com. The link is below.

http://community.webshots.com/album/571787832xbkvkr

I also found a web site for the bulbs.
http://www.lightbulbemporium.com/

[kevink1955]

Thanks, that's a great step by step.

Does that odometer show 454,000 + miles WOW

I am going out to by a flashlight, just kidding I need to get this done

Thanks again

[tacomabobd]

Its 154,000. Not a good idea driving at night with just one lamp. It was scary enough with just two lamps wondering if they would blow out at once.