1993 XLT 3.0L Auto instrument cluster

[austinrick]

Edit: The problem with the right turn signal indicator appears to be resolved, at least for now.
After considering what else controls those two green arrows, I fiddled with the hazard lights switch some-- on/off, etc, etc --and even tried to squirt some quality contact cleaner down between the switch button and the little guide it rides in, hoping that it would dribble down onto the contacts, and both turn indicators are working reliably now, using turn signal switch or hazard lights.
Whether it's a semi-permanent fix is too early to tell. But it's working now.
So before you tear into the dash to fix a turn indicator, see if the problem isn't slightly dirty hazard lights contacts.
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I will need to R&R this cluster in the coming weeks (or swap modules over to a replacement circuit board/housing assy.) and could use any tips or tactics, do's/don'ts to help with the process. I haven't found a YouTube vid that uses this particular instrument panel (that I get the impression is very common in the 93-94 models) and the Hayne's shop manual is only so helpful. Getting the dash trim pieces (bezel) away, disconnecting the two wiring harnesses, speedo cable, gear indicator, etc. are some of my concerns.

If you have any tips or advice, I'd appreciate your sharing it here. -thanks

 

[mtnrgr]

To remove these parts is an easy process. Are you replacing the cluster housing due to not working properly? You should consider one with a factory tachometer. Since you have an automatic transmission, that shifter can be a pain to work around. Best thing is put the shifter all the way down into first and turn key back off.

1. Remove the ash tray..2 bolts.

2. Remove the radio. Do you have an aftermarket or stock radio?

3. Start to pull easy from the driver side bottom and gently pull each area carefully as these tabs will snap off very easily. Continue to work your way around until fully removed.

4. The cluster, there are 2 way to remove it. Un bolt the 4 screws to remove and pull the plugs, speedo cable, etc. My ways are remove the clear plastic and black plastic housing peices. Gently remove the gauge panels..again easy if you plan to reuse them. Pull gently from the top and the will come out. Pull on the speedo and unhook the cable from behind and set it aside. Once the main 4 screws are removed from the cluster, pull each side out at a time to unplug it. Taken the cluster apart seems as it alot..it's easier this way.

I've owned my 94 since new. I learned both ways including wrecking yards. Any clarification needed..ask away.

Here is my cluster.

 

[mtnrgr]

There is a member here who has a 94 cluster with a tachometer for sale. Look in the for sale section and you will see it.

 

[austinrick]

Thanks very much for that. I'm replacing the cluster housing all because the right turn signal indicator works only intermittently. I've had it in a shop once (last week) and the repair has worked on & off since then. Given the behavior of things I feel the problem is more with light bulb connectivity than a defect in the circuit board. Anyway, I decided that the answer is to replace the circuit board & its housing and probably swap over the modules from my original cluster -- they all work just fine. I'll replace all light bulbs while I'm at it with new 194s.
The radio/CD player is aftermarket (Kenwood or something) and I don't have the tool to disengage it. Frankly didn't know it has to come out. I'll take a closer look.
The gear indicator: I got the idea that there are two screws holding it to the back of the housing -- they come off from either side of the front, exposed when the bezel is removed. Yes, I'll have to be very careful with that.
I get the impression that the harness connectors have the retainers on either side (left/right on one, top/bottom on the other) that I squeeze to disengage and wiggle free. Similar with the speedo cable. I have an identical cluster on the way from eBay, so don't need to source one with a tach I can't use.
I have seen one short vid on YouTube from a kid replacing all cluster light bulbs with LED on the same panel I have. He removed the ashtray, left the stereo alone, I think, and then pulled the bezel loose very carefully. It seems like something I can do. No real tools required beyond a screwdriver and maybe small metric nut driver.
Thanks again and I hope you won't mind if I pick your brain again before this is done.

 

[mtnrgr]

I will assist as I can. Have you looked at the turn signal switch aka multi function switch? These have been problems to owners thru the years. Perhaps to rule out the cluster, find one at a wrecking yard and swap it out. It could be your issue.

 

[austinrick]

Thanks. My first suspicion was the multi switch and I spent considerable time researching a replacement. There are at least four aftermarket copies available on Amazon and elsewhere. F2TZ13341B is Ford's number.
However, when I figured out that the exterior turn signal bulbs are working normally I started looking elsewhere. And when the tech at that legit repair shop got the indicator arrow light on the dash to work by cleaning the contacts and replacing the bulb that pretty much narrows it down to circuit board or socket. For all I know I could make a permanent repair if I had the cluster on the bench, but either way I want a replacement cluster standing by, or at least a printed circuit board/housing assy.
As it stands, I can't fault the multi switch at all.
Now I'm waiting for that eBay seller to ship that cluster.

 

[mtnrgr]

As you narrow it down is proper. Ruling out the switch at the moment is progress. Did you purchase the cluster from the seller on here or find one on ebay?

 

[austinrick]

I bought the eBay offering. It's the same as mine (no tach), same year and everything. If the circuit board makes the trip I should have a good direct replacement.
But to complicate things, this morning I found that the right turn indicator was once again not working (which is the pattern since I got it back from the shop). BUT, when I pressed the hazard lights button on top of the steering column (part of the multi switch assembly) that indicator started working again. Is there a direct connection? Can a dirty/faulty hazard lights switch affect a single turn indicator? I do not know, but when I got home I tried spraying a quality contact cleaner down into that hazard light switch through a very narrow space between button and steering column shroud. The indicator light has continued to work ever since. This just adds a whole new dimension to this mystery.
Onward!

 

[mtnrgr]

Hazards are working, therefore I will say it's a issue with the switch or it just needed an adjustment. These days in the aftermarket world of parts..many part numbers exists. I will go to the junk yard to get a couple of used oem parts. Aftermarket parts and even new oem parts fail to often these days.

I would find a good used one at a wrecking yard prior of buying a new aftermarket part. Ford b2, explorer, ranger from 1989-1994 will work if you chose that option. Those years they all had the same dash style.