How can I fix the dashboard lights in a 2003 Ford Taurus?
It seems that some of my dashboard lights have burned out. I have one left working…behind the speedometer thankfully! Is there a fuse or an easy way that I can fix this on my own or is this something that a mechanic would need to do because of location or special tools?
Thanks!
Tagged with: dashboard lights • fuse • mechanic • special tools • speedometer
Filed under: Ford Taurus 2000-2007
If one lamp is burning, the fuse is fine; all the illumination lamps in the instrument cluster are fed from the same source. Though I haven’t worked on a 2003 Taurus, I suspect it uses the same #194 wedge-base lamps used by other Ford vehicles in this application. The #194 lamp is readily available from auto parts stores. Check with your local Ford dealer’s parts department before you start and find out the exact lamp type and how many lamps the instrument cluster takes, including the warning lights (alternator, parking brake, etc.) , then buy at least that many from your local auto parts store.
The lamps are mounted on the back of the instrument cluster, and most likely not accessible by reaching up behind the dashboard. You’ll need a #2 Phillips screwdriver to remove the trim around the instrument cluster and pull it out. Before you tilt the instrument cluster out, you’ll need to reach behind the dashboard to disconnect the speedometer cable — it has a nylon retaining clip that you’ll need to squeeze or push to one side to release the cable from the back of the speedometer. You’ll find a cable plugged into the back of the instrument cluster, which supplies power to the lighting system and signals to the various instruments. Unplug the cable by carefully squeezing the retaining catches on either side. Now that the instrument cluster is fully out, simply pull the lamps out of their sockets and insert new ones in their place. Replace ALL the lamps, even the ones that still work; they’re cheap and you don’t want to do this for another 5-10 years. (The #194 wedge base lamps are usually held in place by black plastic quarter-turn holders. Twist the holder a quarter turn to the left, pop it out of the instrument cluster, replace the lamp, then twist the holder back in place.)
Plug the signal cable into the back of the instrument cluster, wiggle the cluster into position, and reinstall the screws. Plug the speedometer cable into the back of the cluster. Reinstall the dashboard trim.
You can greatly extend the life of the lamps if you run the instrument panel lighting at no more than 80%-90% of maximum intensity. You can always turn the intensity up to 100% briefly to scrutinize the odometer reading, or whatever. As a rule of thumb, each 10% reduction in voltage on an incandescent lamp will double its life.
(If the described procedure sounds too daunting, I’d suggest taking the car in to the dealer or a competent independent auto repair shop. What will you do when your last lamp burns out?)
All you need is a screw driver look and see what size the screws are and take the cluster out and replace the bulbs
Depending on the lights you have, If they run on Direct Cables (Red, Green, Ether) cables, then i would suggest you open the light mainframe (making sure car if off of course) and slowly screw or pull the bulb, if you find out its just a simple screw in and out operation, then common sense will guide you, however, if it has 2 or 3 extension wires lodged behind its bulb, then acquire the exact same bulb and slowly unscrew your old one from its cables and screw in the new one, keeping in the mind the correct circuit wires. Hope this helps. Stay safe and Good Luck!