Instrument Cluster LED Conversion

[bassmasterzac]

Ordered some 194 led's recently and found out that they do not fit. The bulbs in the cluster are in fact v-2 bulbs also known as 'smallest bulb known to man.'

It seems odd to me that Ford would use such a small bulb, especially when 194's are standard. Anyways, since I cannot find v-2 led's which are most likely nonexistent, I'd like to know if there is another bulb that might fit.

I read somewhere that instead of using v-2 bulbs, people have put in 74 led's. Unfortunately, the information on this specific cluster is very scarce and minimal at best.

The only other option I have is replacing the motherboard or the cluster entirely, and I don't really want to do that because I don't really have money.

One other question, how do I replace the lights on my HVAC/4x4? I didn't really see a place I could get to them.

Thanks in advance for the help, y'all.

 

[Captain Ledd]

Interesting...

I was unaware of any changes and this is the first I've heard of this issue (of course, I haven't been paying super close attention either).

Here's the writeup I did some years ago for my 1997, which should have been the same cluster. Step #7 should be of particular importance.

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

Sorry it didn't work out, could you post more information and maybe some pictures?

Also that link has some stuff for pulling the HVAC cover. Basically just pull it farther out and be careful not to break anything lol.

 

[bassmasterzac]

Interesting...

I was unaware of any changes and this is the first I've heard of this issue (of course, I haven't been paying super close attention either).

Here's the writeup I did some years ago for my 1997, which should have been the same cluster. Step #7 should be of particular importance.

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

Sorry it didn't work out, could you post more information and maybe some pictures?

Also that link has some stuff for pulling the HVAC cover. Basically just pull it farther out and be careful not to break anything lol.

You and me both, man. I thought the 194's were standard issued.

Anyways, the 194's would actually fit, except the contacts (correct me if that is not what they are called) are in the way.

Here are some pictures, if you need anymore just let me know, but I think this should cover it.

Full cluster:
http://postimg.org/image/gdvhzk0ez/


Motherboard w/ bulb:
http://postimg.org/image/8mvf1jmnz/

http://postimg.org/image/v6g3mz32d/

http://postimg.org/image/siv8qczet/


V-2 and 194 led side-by-side:
http://postimg.org/image/8lvgg6ucv/


Also, that link didn't work. If it helps, I drive an Edge.

 

[Captain Ledd]

Ohhh! I know what those are. But I can't recall the designation right now, and I'm tired LOL (been up since 5am, now 12:45am).

I'll leave myself a note for the morning, but yeah, that's a different cluster. They must have changed it at some point.


Edit: Actually, just after I posted I remembered. I'd wager it's one of the "B" series bulbs on here:

https://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/instrument-cluster-gauge/

If you click around where it says "more info and buy" it actually has some very detailed specifications at the bottom, might take some tedious measuring but one of those should be it. I'm going to guess the "B8.4D", but I can't be sure.

 

[bassmasterzac]

I appreciate it man. Those look like they just might fit. I'll have to double check before I order them.

Unfortunately, I can't find them on amazon except for some no name brands. Now, what if I just picked up a cluster at a junk yard that fit the 194's? Or could I just replace the motherboard?

I'm a newbie to this stuff if you haven't noticed lol. I'm currently trying to figure out how to get my new head unit hooked up as well.

 

[Mac]

The one big problem you might have is the change to the digital cluster in 2004, might be why the change in the lights.
Dave

 

[bassmasterzac]

I'm going to assume that if I want to change out the cluster for one compatible with the 194 bulbs it's not going to be the exact same one since they changed 'em in 04.

I'm just going to order the bulbs... anybody know where to get reliable ones for cheap? I know superbrightleds is reputable, but at 3.59 a bulb that's steep for a broke ass like me.

 

[killj0y]

I'm going to assume that if I want to change out the cluster for one compatible with the 194 bulbs it's not going to be the exact same one since they changed 'em in 04.

I'm just going to order the bulbs... anybody know where to get reliable ones for cheap? I know superbrightleds is reputable, but at 3.59 a bulb that's steep for a broke ass like me.

I did my 96 with eBay leds and it came out great. I even have a bunch of spares. haven't had any trouble though and that was over a year ago I officially have all led lighting in fact I'm adding a whole bunch this well but outside the cab.