How to Replace Dashboard Lights in a 96 Ford Aerostar
Replacing the dashboard lights on your 1996 Ford Aerostar is a complicated process that involves taking apart the dashboard in order to access the bulbs. The 1996 Aerostar uses 194-type bulbs, which can be purchased at most automotive stores. Replacing the bulbs takes only a few seconds, but accessing the bulb holders takes nearly an hour. It is best to replace all the bulbs whenever one burns out, so you won't have to access the bulbs again for a while.
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Instructions
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1
Turn off the engine and remove the two bolts from under the radio trim using a socket wrench.
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2
Remove the three bolts from the instrument panel gauges using a socket wrench, as well as the four screws from under the dashboard near the brake pedal. Gently pull on the top of the plastic to remove it. This will reveal two screws. Remove them with a screwdriver.
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3
Pull the exposed steel plate down and remove the two screws on the sides of the steering wheel using the screwdriver.
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4
Pull the radio trim out and unplug the radio, the lighter, and the four-wheel drive, if equipped. Pull the right side of the dash panel out slightly to reveal the electrical connector. Disconnect the connector.
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5
Pull the left side of the panel out. Disconnect the two electrical plugs from the panel before removing it completely.
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6
Remove the four screws from the instrument cluster. There are two on each side.
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7
Pull the instrument cluster forward and tip the top backwards in order to expose the gear indicator. Push the two tabs towards each other and pull the indicator out of the cluster.
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8
Pull the cluster away from the vehicle and disconnect the three electrical plugs on the back. Remove the cluster from the vehicle.
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9
Remove the seven Torx screws holding the bezel in place with a Torx screwdriver.
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10
On the back of the instrument cluster, remove the six bulbs. Replace them with new bulbs and reconnect the three electrical plugs. Test the dash lights. If they are functioning properly, reassemble the dashboard in reverse order.
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