Title: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: GDawg148 on April 06, 2014, 11:27:01 PM
Post by: GDawg148 on April 06, 2014, 11:27:01 PM
Hey guys, the light behind my digital speedometer burned out. Can anyone tell me if this is a bulb I can just go pick up at AZ or AAP? Part number? Any info if possible. I know nothing about the electronics.
My panel light (door light) in between the two overhead map lights is also burned out, any info I can get to help me replace this bulb would be much appreciated! Thanks!
My panel light (door light) in between the two overhead map lights is also burned out, any info I can get to help me replace this bulb would be much appreciated! Thanks!
Title: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: nbzimmer on April 06, 2014, 11:31:42 PM
Post by: nbzimmer on April 06, 2014, 11:31:42 PM
I don't know the number right off, but it's a basic bulb. The number is in the owner's manual if you have one. The whole cluster has to be partially removed to get to the bulb. There are several threads with tips about this.
Title: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: White85GS on April 07, 2014, 12:08:59 AM
Post by: White85GS on April 07, 2014, 12:08:59 AM
not sure of the actual #, but 194's work, it takes 2 and they're at the top, behind the odometer.
Title: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: Haystack on April 07, 2014, 12:45:14 AM
Post by: Haystack on April 07, 2014, 12:45:14 AM
X2. I put in a 194 equivilent, and now speedo is super bright
i actually had to drop my steering colum to get the cluster out, so be prepared for an hour or so
i actually had to drop my steering colum to get the cluster out, so be prepared for an hour or so
Title: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: ISTLCRUZ on April 07, 2014, 05:48:02 AM
Post by: ISTLCRUZ on April 07, 2014, 05:48:02 AM
I agree the 194 bulb will work...The last time I had a cluster out I changed all the bulbs while I had it out. Thought it might save me doing it again later. There are ALOT of bulbs in the entire cluster.
Title: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: chris.olu on April 11, 2014, 11:36:12 AM
Post by: chris.olu on April 11, 2014, 11:36:12 AM
Hey! I think i just had the same problem. The numbers in the speedo shows, but are too dim? Well, that was the problem with mine. I thought it was a bulb, but no. What i did was taking out the whole dash, disconnecting all the electric cabels and put it together again and then it worked as new! I dont think you get normal bulbs to just the speedo, so probably a bad connection somewhere.. maybe? i dont know much about this stuff and had a lot of help.
Title: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: Loaded87IROC on April 11, 2014, 12:18:51 PM
Post by: Loaded87IROC on April 11, 2014, 12:18:51 PM
http://www.coolcats.net/help/dash.html
I had this happen after I installed a radio and I never did figure out the cause but I'm not afraid of wiring (but it's afraid of me) and after a bit of testing I just supplied my own power to the speedo light. I take my cluster out somewhat often (don't ask) and I don't drop the column. Usually some maneuvering and tilting the wheel is all it takes.
I had this happen after I installed a radio and I never did figure out the cause but I'm not afraid of wiring (but it's afraid of me) and after a bit of testing I just supplied my own power to the speedo light. I take my cluster out somewhat often (don't ask) and I don't drop the column. Usually some maneuvering and tilting the wheel is all it takes.
Title: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: Haystack on April 11, 2014, 01:21:10 PM
Post by: Haystack on April 11, 2014, 01:21:10 PM
This mystifies me. my guage cluster had a bolt mounting point already broken from someone trying to force it out. i didn't remeber dropping the colum on any of my other cars, but i tried for 10 minutes or so till i gave in and dropped the colum.
Title: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: ThunderFox on May 01, 2014, 11:31:48 AM
Post by: ThunderFox on May 01, 2014, 11:31:48 AM
I didn't want to start a new thread for the same problem. I was adjusting my TPS with the ignition on and came back to the drivers seat to see the speedo light out only and there was a slight burning smell while driving it before this occurred.
Are #194 bulbs really an exact fit for the digital speedometer light?
Thanks.
Are #194 bulbs really an exact fit for the digital speedometer light?
Thanks.
Title: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: Trinom on May 04, 2014, 04:50:26 AM
Post by: Trinom on May 04, 2014, 04:50:26 AM
There should be 2 #2033 tiny halogen bulbs and 6 #194 standard bulbs in the standard cluster according to user's guide or instrument ilumination. This means, those #2033 have to be inside the speedometer. They have orange color coded socket.
User guide also says "Replace with Ford Part Number D2OB-18C622-AB or equivalent, if available (Bulb is an integral part of assembly)"
If they are still too bright, you can use #161 or #37 light bulb.
User guide also says "Replace with Ford Part Number D2OB-18C622-AB or equivalent, if available (Bulb is an integral part of assembly)"
If they are still too bright, you can use #161 or #37 light bulb.
Title: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: TheFoeYouKnow on May 04, 2014, 11:00:46 AM
Post by: TheFoeYouKnow on May 04, 2014, 11:00:46 AM
Before you put a bunch of time into the cluster, be sure to check for a melted ignition switch connector. I had this with my full digital a couple years ago, and that's how it turned out.
Title: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: jcassity on May 04, 2014, 03:11:32 PM
Post by: jcassity on May 04, 2014, 03:11:32 PM
to part b of your question, T37 for the thumbwheel dimmer panel within the lower left of the IP controls.
t37 also shows up in many plugs on the full digital cluster
T194's typical within the whole standard and buttstuffog cluster.
T37 bulb for your radio incase you can no longer see the channel your on
while out i recommend doing the heat sync mod to the high temp resistor on the back of the cluster as it will eventually melt your flex print harness.
(this is in my diy link below). All you need is a piece of soap stone about 2'' long.
=============================
Cool down that big resistor on the back of your buttstuffog instrument cluster.
This also applies to those with digital clusters except the resistor is smaller.
http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?34327-buttstuffog-cluster-*solve-that-heat-problem*-on-the-big-3-long-reisistor&daysprune=100
t37 also shows up in many plugs on the full digital cluster
T194's typical within the whole standard and buttstuffog cluster.
T37 bulb for your radio incase you can no longer see the channel your on
while out i recommend doing the heat sync mod to the high temp resistor on the back of the cluster as it will eventually melt your flex print harness.
(this is in my diy link below). All you need is a piece of soap stone about 2'' long.
=============================
Cool down that big resistor on the back of your buttstuffog instrument cluster.
This also applies to those with digital clusters except the resistor is smaller.
http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?34327-buttstuffog-cluster-*solve-that-heat-problem*-on-the-big-3-long-reisistor&daysprune=100
Title: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: Trinom on May 04, 2014, 04:46:10 PM
Post by: Trinom on May 04, 2014, 04:46:10 PM
You mean remove that stupid heating nonsense, am I right? :)
That thing is TOTALLY USELESS. I throwed them away from both my birds and everything work fine.
BTW, daytime lighting is mandatory in our country, so you can imagine, how the flexible board feels like while driving in hot summer. I guess, there is a quite big risk of fire because of that.
That thing is TOTALLY USELESS. I throwed them away from both my birds and everything work fine.
BTW, daytime lighting is mandatory in our country, so you can imagine, how the flexible board feels like while driving in hot summer. I guess, there is a quite big risk of fire because of that.
Title: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: White85GS on May 07, 2014, 11:54:16 PM
Post by: White85GS on May 07, 2014, 11:54:16 PM
Quote from: jcassity;433269
t37 also shows up in many plugs on the full digital cluster
T194's typical within the whole standard and buttstuffog cluster.
T37 bulb for your radio incase you can no longer see the channel your on
The nice thing about the no-clock radios, is that the display is only on when the radio is on. The ones w/ a clock are on whenever the key is in On or Acc, or the lights are on.
Title: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: sarjxxx on May 08, 2014, 02:45:21 PM
Post by: sarjxxx on May 08, 2014, 02:45:21 PM
Quote from: Trinom;433270
BTW, daytime lighting is mandatory in our country, so you can imagine, how the flexible board feels like while driving in hot summer. I guess, there is a quite big risk of fire because of that.
You know there is a way to wire the headlights up so they function as DRL's, and only the headlights will come on, anytime the car is on. That way you will have your running lights without having to use every other light on the car at the same time...
If you want, I could help walk you through the process....
Title: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: Trinom on May 13, 2014, 04:15:36 PM
Post by: Trinom on May 13, 2014, 04:15:36 PM
Sorry, this option isn't allowed here. Only approved DRLs or both head lamps and tail lights. Nothing between. I have LED DRLs on my silver bird and it's fine. They have much lower current draw from alternator, than standard low beams.
DRLs are above the fog lights :)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-br1gzF-50pU/UbRp2wfiqTI/AAAAAAAAGoM/vjTARhBXXj0/s800/CRW_0048.jpg)
DRLs are above the fog lights :)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-br1gzF-50pU/UbRp2wfiqTI/AAAAAAAAGoM/vjTARhBXXj0/s800/CRW_0048.jpg)
Title: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: sarjxxx on May 13, 2014, 04:28:11 PM
Post by: sarjxxx on May 13, 2014, 04:28:11 PM
ah bummer. What do you use for headlights in the silver car then?
Title: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on May 13, 2014, 10:16:16 PM
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on May 13, 2014, 10:16:16 PM
For halogen bulbs in the '86 & '87 I've been into, one had green sockets the other blue... I can't see any reason not to use 194, that's what I stuck in the ones I had...
#37 is smaller than the #161, 168, 194, etc, unless you have a special socket it's not going to replace these bulbs... The larger bulbs defiantly will not fit in the radio, dimmer panel, etc...
The resistor is there so the dimmer still works when most of the bulbs have burned out, also without it likely can't turn panel lamps to full dark...
#37 is smaller than the #161, 168, 194, etc, unless you have a special socket it's not going to replace these bulbs... The larger bulbs defiantly will not fit in the radio, dimmer panel, etc...
Quote from: Trinom;433270
You mean remove that stupid heating nonsense, am I right? :)
That thing is TOTALLY USELESS. I throwed them away from both my birds and everything work fine.
BTW, daytime lighting is mandatory in our country, so you can imagine, how the flexible board feels like while driving in hot summer. I guess, there is a quite big risk of fire because of that.
The resistor is there so the dimmer still works when most of the bulbs have burned out, also without it likely can't turn panel lamps to full dark...
Title: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: Trinom on May 14, 2014, 02:19:21 PM
Post by: Trinom on May 14, 2014, 02:19:21 PM
Quote from: TurboCoupe50;433727
The resistor is there so the dimmer still works when most of the bulbs have burned out, also without it likely can't turn panel lamps to full dark...
Quote from: sarjxxx;433708
ah bummer. What do you use for headlights in the silver car then?
Title: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: jcassity on May 14, 2014, 10:35:46 PM
Post by: jcassity on May 14, 2014, 10:35:46 PM
Quote from: TurboCoupe50;433727
For halogen bulbs in the '86 & '87 I've been into, one had green sockets the other blue... I can't see any reason not to use 194, that's what I stuck in the ones I had...
#37 is smaller than the #161, 168, 194, etc, unless you have a special socket it's not going to replace these bulbs... The larger bulbs defiantly will not fit in the radio, dimmer panel, etc...
The resistor is there so the dimmer still works when most of the bulbs have burned out, also without it likely can't turn panel lamps to full dark...
interesting,, i thought i stumbled across a shop manual statement about this very thing, meant to construct a response back to trinom once i understood its purpose.. knowing ford didnt toss it in there without a reason.. but you summed it up well enough.
Title: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: Trinom on May 16, 2014, 04:56:24 PM
Post by: Trinom on May 16, 2014, 04:56:24 PM
I know very well, how it works and why I consider it useless ;-)
Title: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: 1987 on May 18, 2014, 12:54:43 AM
Post by: 1987 on May 18, 2014, 12:54:43 AM
I just replaced mine and it took ten minutes.Its super simple.You can just pull the cluster foward and the bulbs will be right on top.I have 5 or 6 new bulbs from ford I bought when they discontinued em.I can send you one.Seriously Its no big deal
Title: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: Jonno11 on March 18, 2017, 01:04:03 AM
Post by: Jonno11 on March 18, 2017, 01:04:03 AM
I got mine just the other day from my local dealership. All of 4$ to replace the whole cluster. Waiting on a new voltage regulator as well, cuz I only want to rip the dash once. I'll be sure to heat sink the resistor as well--good idea! I'm curious if anyone knows a way to change the colour of the cluster from green to blue maybe? I'm assuming the cluster itself is green so would require replacing lenses or the whole unit with a specialty one. Just curious if anyone has done it.
Title: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: GDawg148 on March 21, 2017, 09:55:14 AM
Post by: GDawg148 on March 21, 2017, 09:55:14 AM
Quote from: Jonno11;459823
I got mine just the other day from my local dealership. All of 4$ to replace the whole cluster. Waiting on a new voltage regulator as well, cuz I only want to rip the dash once. I'll be sure to heat sink the resistor as well--good idea! I'm curious if anyone knows a way to change the colour of the cluster from green to blue maybe? I'm assuming the cluster itself is green so would require replacing lenses or the whole unit with a specialty one. Just curious if anyone has done it.
Jonno, CoolCats.net should have something about changing the color. See this link: http://www.coolcats.net/modifying/gauges.html
Title: Re: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: coffeeguitarist on May 02, 2019, 09:57:12 PM
Post by: coffeeguitarist on May 02, 2019, 09:57:12 PM
The back light on my digital speedometer is only on when my headlights are on. When the headlights are out the display is barely readable. I have the cluster out and and have replaced the two bulbs at the top of the speedo and can see everything light up with the head light switch on, but the display goes out when the dash lights are turned off. Does anyone know how to make my speedometer visible again when the dash lights are off?
Title: Re: Digital Speedometer Light is out!
Post by: mcb82gt on May 03, 2019, 09:03:05 AM
Post by: mcb82gt on May 03, 2019, 09:03:05 AM
The back light on my digital speedometer is only on when my headlights are on. When the headlights are out the display is barely readable. I have the cluster out and and have replaced the two bulbs at the top of the speedo and can see everything light up with the head light switch on, but the display goes out when the dash lights are turned off. Does anyone know how to make my speedometer visible again when the dash lights are off?
My car does this periodically also, if I drive it long enough, they usually come back on. Ive checked the wiring behind the radio thing. All fine there.
I may just throw a new motorcraft ignition switch on it, just for giggles. I think its the original one still in the car.