How do you replace light bulb in analog style dash clock for Ford Freestar or Mercury Monterrey?

Answer 1

Ok guys...

I finally figured this out. I had to remove the long woodgrain trim panel on the dash first. It comes straight out. I started on the left side and gently pried it out with a screwdriver.

From there I foung that the clock/vent panel has four clips on the bottom edge. You can see the lower edges once you get the trim panel off. Push these up gently and tug on the lower edge of the vent/clock panel. The panel also has hooks on the top, so you'll have to push it down a bit to get it to release from the dash. Once out, the power plug is the only thing left. The release clip is on the lower side of the plug. Push up on it and the plug will release.

There is a bulb part number on the back of the clock - F80F-13B765-AA

Ford wants about $7.50 for this micro bulb...but the closest dealer that had one was 50 miles away. After spending a couple of hours trying to find a cross reference, I stumbled across some pictures of Audi/VW instrument bulbs...same thing! The local VW dealer had them in stock, and it works fine...for $2.69!

VW/Audi bulb part number 4A0919040C

Flosser bulb 449103

OSRAM bulb 2473MFX6

You will need to gently unroll the green bulb cover and place it on the new one.

I was going to post pics, but they are too large. Send me a note if you want me to email them to you.

Regards,

Joe Previous response: I have a 2004 Mercury Monterry van and this solution should apply to many other vehicles. This solution is very easy. Use these instructions at your own risk. Please click on the hyperlink below in the "related articles" section below for an illustrated walk-thru. Note: It is only four pages but it is almost 7 megabytes. Minimal tools needed. Total time is about 20 minutes. (Including cleanup) As of October 2008, this bulb was $14.00 USD at the local Mercury dealership. Remove the nut and then pry along the edges with a flat screw driver. Start from the front and go towards the back. You may want pry on the left and right side slowly as you go towards the back. Look at the picture to see all of the clips. Disconnect the power cable to the clock. Use the flat blade screwdriver to release it before pulling it out. The white plastic cover simply pulls off incase you want to take it off. Use a socket to remove the bulb. (You could do this with your hands if you have small and strong fingers.) Tip: Put a small piece of masking tape inside the socket and it will provide just enough friction to keep the new bulb in the socket without falling out while you are trying to install it.