Which 3 bulbs are the issue?
Have had simular tribulations with my 2001 InstrumentCluster lamps.
Once the cluster assembly is completely out of the truck & on your bench:
~ Use low pressure air to blow dust out of the cluster & the dash while you've got it open.
~ Remove each bulb socket 1 at a time from the flex circuit board on the foreside of the cluster assembly
~ Remove the bulb from the socket, clean each socket with swabs + electrical spray or alcohol
~ Use a JewelersMini FlatHead ScrewDriver to gently align\tighten the contacts on each socket
~ Clean the corresponding circuit board contact points, gently straighten & slightly bend outward each contact point
~ If the flex circuit board or harness connections are damaged, repair\replace as needed
~ Before re-installing, check each bulb with an OhmMeter: open circuit = bad bulb
~ Make sure the bulb leads are not broken & aligned proper then re-insert into socket
~ Again check ohms across each bulb+socket subassembly, then re-install into circuit board.
~ Dont be tempted to replace cluster Bulbs with LEDs: they're polarized, several glow when they should be off, they flicker when dimmed, & dont last!
~ Spray a small amount of silicone lube into the Speed\OdoMeter mechanism while you got the cluster on the bench.
~ Now is a good time to open the SteeringColumn ClamShell: Inspect+Clean+Lube those Elec\Mech items, Check for notorious OD Switch CableChaffing.
~ Re-enforce Connectors+Cables with Elec Tape+Ties as needed
Job is a bit tedious, but take your time & work logically.
Details of my own adventure with the InstrumentCluster at
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...
2001fordexplorersporttrac.fandom.com
Thanks go to the brave souls who've preceded me in similar adventures & freely shared their experience: https://youtu.be/GSeIrT-pBrI?t=17 SteeringColumnCover Removal https://youtu.be/b64PZVuHXrk?t=17 SteeringWheel Removal...
2001fordexplorersporttrac.fandom.com