How To Replace Instrument Cluster Lights

Introduction

Need to change a bulb in your 1993-2011 Ford Ranger instrument cluster? This page should help you figure out how to remove the instrument cluster and change the bulbs.

Tools Needed:

• 1/4″ 7mm socket
• 1/4″ 8mm socket
• 1/4″ Driver

Bulbs Needed:

• #194 bulbs for the back lighting. (6) if replacing all of them.
• #74 bulb for the check engine and other indicator lights.

Procedure Steps

Step #1) Remove the (2) screws holding the radio bezel with the 7mm socket.

Step #2) Pull the radio bezel out slightly. It covers part of the dash panel.

Step #3) Remove the (4) screws holding the kick-panel below the steering wheel. Note: (2) screws are under hood release handle.

Step #4) Drop the hood release bracket and pull the kick panel out.

Step #5) Using the 8mm socket, remove the screws holding the kick panel metal brace.

Step #6) Just loosen the 5th screw in the kick panel metal brace enough to drop the brace to clear the bottom (2) screws in the dash panel.

Step #7) Using the 7mm socket, remove the bottom (2) screws in the dash panel.

Step #8) Using the 7mm socket, remove the top (3) screws in the instrument cluster bezel.

Step #9) With the tilt steering wheel dropped to lowest position. Also pull tranny shifter to “1” position (if automatic). Note: Make sure emergency brake is set!

Pull the instrument cluster out from the top.

Step #10) Using a 7mm socket, remove the (4) screws holding the instrument cluster.

Connectors

Step #11) Gently pull instrument cluster out from the right side, far enough to reach the (3) electrical connectors. Electrical connectors have release tabs to push in before pulling.

Transmission Shift Indicator

The transmission shift indicator snaps in to place in the bottom of the instrument cluster. You’ll have to pull it out of the cluster before you can remove the cluster from the dash.

Light Bulbs

The bulbs that light up your gauges and the cluster itself are bulb #194. They are held in with the black sockets.

Turn the sockets counter-clockwise to remove. The bulb pulls straight out of the socket.

The bulbs for the check engine and other indicator lights is bulb #74. These bulbs are in the tan sockets. Turn them counter clockwise to remove the socket.

The bulbs pull straight out of the socket.

Reassemble in the opposite direction.

Instrument Cluster Examples

(1996 Ford Ranger Instrument Cluster – Back)

(2004+ Ford Ranger Instrument Cluster – Back)

Related Articles:

1983-2011 Ford Ranger Light Bulb Guide

Last Updated:December 9, 2025