How to Replace Gauge Cluster / Dashboard Bulbs with LEDs | 1995 Ford F150

The instrument clusters in most vehicles are back lit using regular incandescent light bulbs. These bulbs burn out and need to be replaced. Here's how to replace these bulbs.
To start, you need to remove the dash bezel (surrounding black plastic trim piece). It's held onto the main dash with push clips and two screws. The screws are located behind the gray thin trim piece that push connect to the dash bezel. You will also need to remove the headlight knob. It has a slot located on the shaft. In this slot is a thin metal tab. You will need to pry back on the tab at the same time as you pull on the headlight knob. It should come free. Once the screws and headlight knob are removed the dash bezel will come free unless you have any other accessories attached to the bezel. With the dash bezel pulled away from the dash, you can access the back side of the fuel tank selector switch. You will need to unplug it to remove the dash bezel completely.
Then you can unscrew the instrument cluster. From here you have to maneuver the cluster so you can unplug the three electrical harnesses on the back side. You can also go through the process of detaching the drive indicator cable from the gear selector. With all these items unplugged. The cluster should come out freely.
With the cluster out, you look at the back. You will see small black knobs. Turn these knobs counterclockwise and they should come out. Simply pull the bulb from the socket and insert a new bulb. Then return the knob thing to its proper hole and turn clockwise to lock into place. If you are replacing the bulbs with LEDs then you should test the bulbs before you completely install the cluster. LED bulbs are polarity sensitive an have to be inserted into he socket in a certain orientation.
After this, you reinstall everything and you are good to go.
#obsford #fordf150 #diy

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[H]

Good tutorial, I did this on my ‘99 Ranger until I added a cluster that has a tachometer & I ended up just transferring the bulbs over.

[borderlineiq]

Wait! So my dash is supposed to light up?!?

[rocosurfs]

every single light on my dash is equally dim but they all work. Do you think that would be the bulbs or something else? Same truck as you

[davepowers]

Spot on directions! Thank you!!! Replaced mine today. Now I just have to find a way to get the check engine light to go off...

[ToyManFlyer]

😮😮😮...Well, stumbled to the "Finish line" yesterday and I and a buddy put in a new "Cordone" brand Dizzy in my 1993 Ford f150 5.0 truck..Was nervous as a "Street walker in Church " doing the job...Mess it up, you're done for...Now, this dummy forgot and left the Credit card we used as a marker on the Dash...Well, windows and side vents open, music playing riding down the road...Guess where the Credit card is now...😭🚫😭😭😳😭😭... Yep, you guessed it...Driver's side Windshield Dash Defrost vent. Yep, I constantly snatch Defeat from Victory...Any suggestions on how to get it out...Thanks 😊... 😭😭😭😭

[redscortgt]

This couldn’t come at a better time lol thanks

[ryancnew]

Once done, do the LEDs dim like the old incandescent lights do when you rotate the headlight knob?

[night]

Thanks for your videos! I get excited everytime I see new stuff from you. Im still waiting on a new motor for my 1992 Ford F-150.

[TDSG]

watched all your f-150 videos - thanks! This was one of the clearest and comprehensive. I appreciate the extra effort in detail and explanation.

[ericmontes]

I changed my lights but now i have no power anywhere in the truck

[BennyPeska]

What size led lights do I need to buy to replace dash illumination lights

[thestraitgateway]

Would led last longer than the regular? Also does the dimmer still work with these

[liamclancy]

My check engine light isnt working is this how i would fix that ?

[zh]

All your videos are awesome, thanks!!!! In my case, I only replaced the ones in the cluster who have the ILL inscription at the insertion hole or "socket" (only 5 of them) and then I replaced the two bulbs at the AC Control panel. So, in total, I use 7 bulbs from the LED package. I only replaced the ILL ones only because I had the ABS flickering with LED bulbs, I don't know why. Auxito 12V 10pcs 194 168/2825, I found them in Amazon.

[Fordm]

I did this job last summer with blue LEDs and it came out great! Didn't even have to crack it open and scrape the green tint off.
Edit: I also changed the other indicator lights in the cluster (turn signals, 4x4, etc) but you want to keep the ABS and airbag lights incandescent because if you put an LED in those, they'll stay on and won't turn off.

[isaacmortensen]

Hey i checked all the polarity but my tach dims way befkre the others, any ideas.

[johnguilfoyle]

It's also a good rule of thumb to check the PRNDL action before reassembling the dashboard.

[borderlineiq]

Excellent demo, Stevie. You showed all the tedious stuff which is what we really need. Thank you.

[il_meccanicista]

Can i use 12V-5W bulbs? I can not get the 194 :(

[pacocabrera]

Hi what about the problems led bulbs bring to obs fords?