Read & watch the ForumThreads & Videos below for details on removing the center Air+Radio panel, then
left InstrumentCluster panel, to allow replacing Lamps. Using LightEmittingDiods\LEDs to replace original
IncandescentBulbs is NOT recommended; the LEDs will NOT properly operate in several circuits & despite
advertising, LEDs are NOT as durable or simple as Bulbs. Some patience & items noted below are needed.
Dash part dimensions are alike for 1995~2012 Explorer+MazdaB+Mountaineer+Ranger+Sport+SportTrac.
The 1998~2003 Clusters have Black\White GageBacks, Black\Gray Frame, with\wOut 4WHi+4WLo Lamps.
The 1995~1997 Clusters are compatible but wOut a Tach; they may be swapped with 1998~2003 Clusters.
The 2004~2012 HybridElectronicClusters\HECs securely mate to each vehicles PCM; not easily swapped.
* 6ea BackLitBulbs, 16ea DutyLitBulbs, 1ea TheftLitDiode
- BackLamps
- LitBulbs T10mmWedg*23mmLong 12volt 3\4watt Sylvania# 161\194
- Sockets T10mmWedg*13mmCircuitHoleMt FordMotorCraft# c80z-13711-b
- * Do Not Use Higher Wattage Bulbs, They Will Melt Plastic Sockets
- * 6each In DashLeft InstrumentCluster
- * 2each In DashCenter AirConSelectors
- DutyLamps
- LitBulbs T5mmWedg*18mmLong 12volt 9\13watt Sylvania# 906\912
- Sockets T5mmWedg*7mmCircuitHoleMt FordMotorCraft# f57z-13b765-ba
- * Do Not Use Higher Wattage Bulbs, They Will Melt Plastic Sockets
- * 16each In DashLeft InstrumentCluster
- * 2each In DashCenter 4WD+RearWindowSelectors, Sockets Require Mod\Add
- Tools
- * SiliconeSprayLube, A Little Keeps SpeedoMeter+OdoMeter Working+Quiet
- * ElectricalSprayCleaner\RubbingAlcohol
- * CottonSwabs\700gSandPaper\EmeryCloth
- * 7mmHexHead Socket+Driver\Ratchet
- * ChannelLockPliers + NeedleNosePliers + JewelersMini FlatScrewDriver
- * Volt+Ohm+Continuity MultiMeter
Modified TrimPanel Below SteeringColumn
Removing a small plastic section of this TrimPanel that is unnecessarily entangled with the HoodRelease
Handle (circled in red in the pics below) allows easier access to the InstrumentCluster & SteeringColumn
components; the 4 UpperStabs & 2 LowerBolts are retained+adequate for mounting+securing the Panel.
Links To Related Info
Thanks go to the brave souls who've preceded me in similar adventures & freely shared their experience:
- https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/add-a-tach.193153 1995~2003 Cluster With\wOut Tach
- https://web.archive.org/web/20210506170736if_/https://www.ranger-forums.com/general-ford-ranger-discussion-15/2002-2000-cluster-165339 1995~2003 Cluster With\wOut Tach
- https://web.archive.org/web/20210506171227if_/https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/hec-test-mode-on-2004-rangers.190076
- * 1995~1997 Cluster = Pre HEC wOut Tach
- * 1998~2003 Cluster = Pre HEC With Tach
- * 2004~2005 Cluster = HEC wOut TestMode
- * 2006~2012 Cluster = HEC With TestMode
- https://web.archive.org/web/20211128160146if_/https://circuitboardmedics.com/2004-2005-ford-explorer-sport-trac-instrument-cluster-repair 2004~2005.Ford.ExST ClusterFix
- https://web.archive.org/web/20211128161834if_/https://circuitboardmedics.com/2006-2010-ford-explorer-sport-trac-instrument-cluster-repair 2006~2010.Ford.ExST ClusterFix
- https://www.ranger-forums.com/general-technical-electrical-18/bulb-replacement-guide-97015 2001~2003.Ford.ExST+MazdaB+Ranger Lamps
- https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/1995-2011-gauge-cluster-removal-and-bulb-replacement Dash Center+Left Assembly
- https://youtu.be/3HU0luMB1xI?t=39 Dash Center+Left Assembly
- https://youtu.be/dXQSmGV-y4I?t=4 Dash Lamps: LEDs, DONT DO IT!
- https://youtu.be/uK4PZzjlwgY?t=1 Dash Lamps
- https://sporttrac.org/mysporttrac-archive/projects/dash_light_replacement_gen_1.pdf Dash Lamps
- https://www.ranger-forums.com/interior-exterior-electrical-123/how-replacing-instrument-cluster-lights-65263 Dash Lamps
- https://www.ranger-forums.com/interior-semi-tech-40/sport-trac-instrument-cluster-6022 Cluster Swap
- https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/instrument-cluster-swap-2002-sport-trac-into-1999-mountaineer.470708 Cluster Swap
- https://youtu.be/TGfcPSRxGms?t=8 Cluster Swap BkGrColor
- https://web.archive.org/web/20200816162941if_/https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/ford-ranger-odometer-gauge-swap Cluster Odo
- https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/odometer-worm-gear-replacement Cluster Odo
- https://www.ranger-forums.com/4-0l-ohv-sohc-v6-tech-33/tachometer-167144 Cluster Tac
- https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/adjust-repair-instrument-cluster-gear-indicator Cluster GearIndicator
- https://web.archive.org/web/20200921060217if_/http://www.explorer4x4.com/overhead.htm UpperConsole InStall
- https://youtu.be/nk5-HiaR06E?t=14 UpperConsole Fix
- https://youtu.be/AtqSTUusWHI?t=4 UpperConsole Fix
- https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/overhead-console-display-fix.187953 UpperConsole Fix
- https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/explorer-overhead-console-upgrade UpperConsole UpGrade
