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91 Posts
How do I replace the dash lights? I've looked everywhere and I can't find anything that tells me how to.
1995 Ford Escort Lx dash lights
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I thought there was an entry in the "How-To" subforum about this. Anyway... Which ones are you planning to replace; the ones in the cluster, the ones for the heater/a.c. control, the other little ones scattered around the instrument bezel?
To replace the ones in the cluster, you have to remove the bezel around the cluster. Its held in with half a dozen screws that either take a small metric socket, or a torx-?? wrench. I think you have to drop the column to have it come out without breaking anything. The column is held up by 4 bolts with 12mm heads, reachable from below the column. With the bezel removed you would see 4 more screws to take out - then the cluster will pull forward a little. You are supposed to be able reach around behind it to squeeze the clip that keeps the speedo cable clamped onto the speedo drive. With that loose, there is -just- enough room to squeeze the connectors so they will pull out. It will be a struggle. If your hands are thick - good luck.
I know its possible to do, because I have done it - without breaking anything. Because it was a darned chore, once I had the cluster out - I replaced ALL of the light bulbs, and rubbed the contacts with some 1000 grit emery paper.
All of my experience is with 2nd gen. Escorts.
To replace the ones in the cluster, you have to remove the bezel around the cluster. Its held in with half a dozen screws that either take a small metric socket, or a torx-?? wrench. I think you have to drop the column to have it come out without breaking anything. The column is held up by 4 bolts with 12mm heads, reachable from below the column. With the bezel removed you would see 4 more screws to take out - then the cluster will pull forward a little. You are supposed to be able reach around behind it to squeeze the clip that keeps the speedo cable clamped onto the speedo drive. With that loose, there is -just- enough room to squeeze the connectors so they will pull out. It will be a struggle. If your hands are thick - good luck.
I know its possible to do, because I have done it - without breaking anything. Because it was a darned chore, once I had the cluster out - I replaced ALL of the light bulbs, and rubbed the contacts with some 1000 grit emery paper.
All of my experience is with 2nd gen. Escorts.
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750 Posts
denisond3 has it right. The only suggestion I have is to disconnect the speedometer cable from the VSS. Just give it a good pull straight up, and it should come loose. Pull the cable up so it will lay flat across the battery, then you will be able to pull the cluster out far enough to unplug everything easily.
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5,229 Posts
^^^ Yup, both right, I have the job down to about 20 mins, out and in. I have changed the color of the lights to blue, so I have been in there plenty. Be sure to get the speedocable clipped in the cluster well, it is a disappointment to wrap it up and have it come out.
You didn't say what your model is and the model year and WHERE you want to replace the bulbs ..... our Gen 2's use 194's for the instrument cluster.
The 194's are the normal number for the "stock" incandescent bulbs, but if you get LED's, they are still spec'd out as num 194's.....
LarryR
Ha, the only thing that lights on MY instr clusters is the Temp gauge.... I'm not counting the warning indicators; I think they ALL work... it's common. On my prev 1993 they all went out but one, same on the 1994, and now on my "new" 1993...... you'll prob beat me in timing, but it's on my list.
Yes; should be the same as my 1993 and 1994. Are you considering the stock replacements, or the LED's? color or clear/white LED's?
There are several threads going on this right now, so a little search, and a few questions, and you should be all set.
LarryR
[Edit; oh WHERE?.......yes you'll find references in the threads that I'm mentioning in the following. Of course local parts stores, ebay ....... I think I've referred to www.superbrightleds.com or something like that AND they provide a tutorial as well].
There's LOTS of info on that, and several have been posted within the last week or two. If I wasn't so short on time, I'd provide an outline but it's here. Search for "instrument cluster" and you'll see notes by me, and denisond3, and others too numerous for my ol' mind to remember.
I'll see what all gets posted here by you and others' later tonight.
Willing to help.............. pls go and see what you can find; I even wanna say "during this last week". I and some others have even posted photos.
The toughest part about the search is that they're not alwasys where you'd expect, like in Gen 2 1.9, or Gen 2 1.8; they get scattered around in "Tech and Repair" etc.
Let us know what you need further, ok?
LarryR
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