Notes on 1994 Ranger Instrument Lights

[dpfurby]

I finally got around to replacing the qty. 17 GE194 instrument panel lights on my 1994 Ranger and here are some helpful notes:

Disconnect battery.

Used Torx / screwdrivers and small socket set. Form two "u" shaped wires to remove the factory radio by inserting the wires into the four holes on the radio bezel.

Everything disassembled straightforward with no issues.

The 2 connectors behind the cluster are removed by gently squeezing on the ends of the connectors, then gently pulling on the connector. It is pretty tight in there, so patience, patience!!!

Bought the bulbs at Carquest for less than $15 for qty. 20 bulbs.

Remove bulbs by gently rotating CCW-- qty. 17-- when installing the new bulbs-- remember-- do not touch the bulbs with your bare fingers-- use a cloth to grasp the bulbs!!! The oil from your fingers will cause the bulb to blow out.

OK. Everything installed-- dash back in. Now for a test run.....

Working fine when the truck is "cold" (outside temp.) just beginning the day. Then after it warms up in the day--- the tach quits, the right blinker quits, the two 4 wheel indicator lights come on. Has been doing this repeatadly for several days/ mornings.

I saw another post about looking behind the tach and checking the solder runs for cracks-- then resoldering if necessary.

Also-- I checked the vertical installed connector when installed, and if I try to move the connector down the 4wd indicator lights go off, tach goes on, blinker works.

The flexable printed circuit on the back of the cluster is delicate, I plan to clean the connector contact areas with an ink eraser gently.

I will post the results. Any other helpful info or comments appreciated!!!

 

[dpfurby]

Notes on 1994 Ranger Instrument Lights-- More Info!!!

On removing the instrument panel bulbs--- make sure to grasp the black holder and turn CCW, just not the bulb itself!!!!

 

[Snoranger]

Remove bulbs by gently rotating CCW-- qty. 17-- when installing the new bulbs-- remember-- do not touch the bulbs with your bare fingers-- use a cloth to grasp the bulbs!!! The oil from your fingers will cause the bulb to blow out.

Those are incandescent bulbs, not halogen.... Touching the glass won't effect them.