How do you replace the instrument cluster lights on a 1994 Ford Escort?

Answer 1

Note: I did this on a 95 Escort GT, should be similar though::

Take out all the screws on the bottom of the black dash panel, and remove the plastic steering wheel column cover (two plastic bits that snap together. Pull out the black dash piece, uses a lot of force because you have to squeeze it past the steering wheel and the rest of the dash (it can be done, takes a lot of force though (make sure you unplug the rear defrost unit if you have one) note: I read in a manual that you can take out the steering wheel and it makes it much easier - I didn't know this and took it out with the steering wheel still installed)).

Then there is a bunch of little screws to undo (make sure it is not the ones that hold the plastic cover down). Follow the speedo wire down to where it connects to the transmission - you pull out a little metal clip that holds it in and then pull it out (this gives you room to pull the speedo out. When you can pull the instrument panel out a bit, undo the little wires in the back that plug into each of the smaller gauges and then there is one humungous wire in the back for the speedo. Pull that one REALLY hard until it pops out - don't worry it won't break. Then repeat until everything is back.

The hardest part was probably getting the black dash part out past the steering wheel - this would be much easier if you know how to remove the steering wheel.

When you take the two pieces off of the steering column there are four bolts under the steering shaft that attach a plate. Take the four bolts out and the steerin wheel will drop down to allow you to take out the dash liner.