1999 Mountaineer . Illumination on speedometer@12 o'clock not illuminating. Any tricks to replacing the light bulb??? Thanks...

 

I did it on a 98 Mountaineer. The bulbs are replaceable from any old parts store. But it takes a while. I would suggest replacing all the bulbs while you are in there.


You have to remove these parts in this order:


1. Disconnect battery.


2. Undo screws holding parking break lever and hood lever. Let hang.


3. Remove lower dash panel under the steering column. Your knees face this lower panel when you drive. 2 screws bottom of panel.


4. Remove metal plate that is behind the lower dash panel. 4 screws.


5. Remove trim piece that surrounds instrument panel. 2 screws at bottom, 3 above instrument readouts. Manuever trim so that you can disconnect wiring harnesses on the back left side. I lower the steering wheel as much as possible to get this piece out.


6. Unscrew 4 bolts holding in Instrument cluster.


7. Gently manuever cluster to disconnect 3 wiring harnesses on back. There will be a module that will need to be removed from the bottom of hte cluster. This module is the readout for Park, drive, etc.


8. With the cluster out, the lights are on the back and will twist out. Be careful not to damage the contacts on the wiring grid.


9. Replace the bulb out of the little holders and twist back in place. I got my bulbs from Auto Zone but I have seen them at other stores. You may want to take the bulbs with you.