Instrument panel lights 2003 ranger

[Lakewood ranger]

Hi,
I have three bulbs burnt out on the instrument cluster. I took it apart and replaced all of them, and of course the three are still not working.
Does any body have any suggestion? Have there been reported problems with the circuit traces breaking down requiring jumpers? Can you even solder in jumpers on the board?
And how hard is it to test the panel on the bench before I put it back together.
Any and all advice is appreciated.
In the dark
Lakewood Ranger

 

[DILLARD000]

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

Electrical DashLamps

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

Electrical SteeringColumn

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