help... changing instrument panel lights

[rangerdanger14]

truck is 95 ranger 5 speed 2.3L.

it's gotten to the point where almost all of the lights have died behind my instrument gauge cluster and i want to replace them asap

is there any how-to's on the removal of the dash?

anyone have any pics to give up?

anyone know what kind of bulbs i need to replace my existing bulbs with.. part numbers if specific?

thanks guys

 

[YZ250Rider23]

I did the panel lamps on my 98 last year... Not sure how it compares to the 95, but it was pretty easy for me. IIRC you remove the trim around the gauges, then there is some screws that hold the cluster in place. Take those out (and don't drop them into your dash), and it'll take a little fiddling to get the cluster out to where you can unplug the connectors in the back. The bulbs are held in by little 1/4 turn plastic clip things. You'll see what I'm talking about. There's 5 or 6 illumination bulbs in there, and I just replaced all of them, regardless of whether they needed it or not. You can tell the illumination ones by the size and color of the bulb holders. The illumination ones are bigger, and i think are a different color. Replacements should be 194 bulbs. Just take your time, and you'll figure it out. Not so hard.

 

[rangerdanger14]

thanks man.

 

[srteach]

On your 95:

1. remove the lower knee panel (under steering wheel)
2. remove steel plate under plastic panel ( I think seven bolts / screws)
3. remove some screws at the bottom of the top panel
4. remove the two screws above the heater controls, under the radio
5. pull radio out enough to slide to the right to access the two screws on the left side of opening
6. remove the three above instrument panel surround
7. pull instrument panel surround off
8. remove the four screws at each corner of the instrument panel
9. pull instrument panel toward you enough to reach to the back of it
10. unplug two connectors on the back of instrument panel (High right, and low center-ish)(they have a squeeze tab - squeeze and push connector in, then pull out)
11. replace the large lights (1/4 turn as mentioned earlier)
12. reverse directions to assemble

There are many spring holder clips in addition to the screws, They pull out easily.

This will take you about 1 hour if you go slow and be careful not to break things (you should be careful). Take your time, all the pieces are plastic except the plate under the steering wheel.
I have done this in 4 trucks and can do it in 1/2 hour.

 

[Captain Ledd]

as a matter of fact, there is such a how-to.

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/winter2009/gauge_removal.htm

 

[rangerdanger14]

where should i go for bulbs ledd?

dealership or what do you recommend for led bulbs? i wanna do this once and once only so your info will help a lot

 

[Captain Ledd]

where should i go for bulbs ledd?

dealership or what do you recommend for led bulbs? i wanna do this once and once only so your info will help a lot

Any auto store will have the standard bulbs.

I used www.superbrightleds.com for mine. Very satisfied with what I got from them. It's a little on the pricier side of things, but with average lifespans at or very close to 10,000 Hrs, they'll probably be around long after the truck. That's staying lit for nearly a year and ha half, 24/7. Some have even longer lifespans now.