How do you remove main instrument panel on ford e-150 van to change light bulbs?

Answer 1

Depending on model year, this might be slightly different, but for a 97-2005 van the process is pretty simple. First, you have to remove two screws that hold the cover onto the dash panel above the instrument cluster. These screws have a torx inset on the head, and also have a hex shape, so you can use either tool to remove. Next you have to remove the headlight control knob, using a small screwdriver to push on the retaining clip that is on the backside of the knob. There's a small notch on the edge of the knob facing the dash, you push in the back of the knob in the area just inside the notch. Then you unscrew the retaining collar that's around the light switch shaft - it should come off with hand pressure (leftie=loosey). Now you can pull on the facia that surrounds the instrument cluster - it is retained by spring-loaded clips and will come straight out of the dash assembly towards the back of the steering wheel. Now you can see the 4 screws that hold the instrument cluster assembly to the dash - two hex head screws on top and two on the bottom. Remove these screws and the cluster will be free and movable - but you have three modular connectors on the back side and one cable that protrudes out the bottom and connects to the shift selector. You should be able to move the cluster forward enough to replace specific bulbs - if you know which one(s) are inoperative, but you won't have good visibility and there are lots of bulbs. If you want to remove the cluster completely, then find the release clips on the three electrical connectors and disconnect them, and pull off the lower panel below the steering column so you can unhook the shift indicator control. The cover simply pulls off, but the indicator cable has a screw that holds it to the bottom of the column, and the cable has a loop on the end that connects to the shift lever assembly. After these have been disconnected, adjust the steering column to it's lowest setting to give you more room, and move the shift selector to the lowest (far right) position so it's out of the way. Now you should be able to remove the instrument cluster from the dash, rotating it slightly so it has more clearance. Make sure the shift indicator clears the steering column below it, so you don't break it when you withdraw the unit.