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        General >> Problems >> Dashboard Bulb Replacement
        
(Message started by: gerryw on Jan 9^th, 2008, 6:10pm)

Title: Dashboard Bulb Replacement
Post by gerryw on Jan 9^th, 2008, 6:10pm

Hi all,

I have a 1997 Cossie and a few light bulbs have gone in the AC Control (with climate control) unit on the dash.

I was advised to prise it off using a bladed screwdriver...NO CHANCE! (One could ruin the surrounds).

Can anybody give me some advice as to how to remove it without taking off all the dashboard?

Regards
Gerryw

Title: Re: Dashboard Bulb Replacement
Post by RichardMS on Jan 9^th, 2008, 7:10pm

If you don't want to take the dash panel out then the only way is to find something thin enough to get behind it and prise it out, It is held in place with four spring clips, Two top, Two bottom, HTH.

Title: Re: Dashboard Bulb Replacement
Post by TiberiuS on Jan 9^th, 2008, 8:31pm

I didn't want to risk breaking anything so when I did mine I removed the entire walnut fascia. It's quite a while since I did it (3 years ago - time flies) so memory is a bit cloudy but basically you have to remove the radio and a few screws around the instrument cluster and radio apeture, then start pulling the fascia off gently and disconnect the multiplugs for the switches as you go. Then you can remove the cc unit safely from behind and get to the bulbs. Only takes about 15 minutes, safer than risking scratching the walnut finish :)

Regards, Bruce.

Title: Re: Dashboard Bulb Replacement
Post by Snoopy on Jan 10^th, 2008, 8:06am

I Use a credit card! or similarsome are thinner than others but still stiff enough. it slides between the facia and the unit quite well and then you can locate the clips .. REMEMBER the tounge that locates it is on the drivers side of the unit and so the passenger side comes out first.... at an angle ,a bit like the removabe stereo buttons!

Title: Re: Dashboard Bulb Replacement
Post by amigafan2003 on Jan 10^th, 2008, 9:30am

Anybody know where to get the bulbs? Local FMD said they didn't have any and wouldn't order any in due to the low volume/price - bah!

Are they standard fitment or specific to the Scorp?

Title: Re: Dashboard Bulb Replacement
Post by Simmo on Jan 10^th, 2008, 9:34am

As Snoopy says it is straightforward using a credit card. Have a look on THIS (http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/intbasicelec.htm) page and select the High Series links. The diagrams are for a left hand drive and the 'tang',as Snoopy says, is on the drivers side on 'our' cars which is why it needs to be eased to the passenger side on removal.

Title: Re: Dashboard Bulb Replacement
Post by peteHull on Jan 10^th, 2008, 10:11am

on 01/10/08 at 09:30:44, amigafan2003 wrote:

Anybody know where to get the bulbs? Local FMD said they didn't have any and wouldn't order any in due to the low volume/price - bah!

Are they standard fitment or specific to the Scorp?

I got some from my local Evans Halshaw FMD no problems... I am now looking at the LED conversion route though, that is another option...

hth
Pete

Title: Re: Dashboard Bulb Replacement
Post by gozz on Jan 10^th, 2008, 4:41pm

The top left hand clip is 4.5cm from the outer end of the bezel,the top right hand is 9cm from the right end,the left hand lower is 3.5 cm in and the right lower is 7.5cm in,this is what baffles you when you first remove it.The clips are mounted on the bezel first,then pushed into the dashboard after the tongue,as Snoopy says,is placed beneath the right hand end of the hole.By sliding something strong and thin over the clip positions but erring above the top ones and below the bottom ones they can be depressed towards the bezel,care should be taken to ensure that you dont get the tool underneath the clip tangs or you defeat the object.Bulbs in this kneck of the woods are obtainable from Mr Ford or local auto electrical chap

Title: Re: Dashboard Bulb Replacement
Post by TiberiuS on Jan 10^th, 2008, 4:57pm

on 01/10/08 at 09:30:44, amigafan2003 wrote:

Anybody know where to get the bulbs? Local FMD said they didn't have any and wouldn't order any in due to the low volume/price - bah!

Are they standard fitment or specific to the Scorp?

??? It's a standard size/fitting, I bought a tonne of them when I did mine and used a few of them in the Mondeo and Jag since, they're all the same size/wattage. There's a couple of websites in the UK who sell automotive bulbs and stuff, you can find them on Google.

Pete, I tried the LED route but didn't like the effect, the light from LEDs is too bright and directional. Ok for doing the switches but bulbs look better in the panels in my humble opinion.

Regards, Bruce.

Title: Re: Dashboard Bulb Replacement
Post by gerryw on Jan 11^th, 2008, 12:53am

Hi all,
Thanks alot for all your input!

I am about to have ago (Fri 11th) at using the Credit card to take the bezel off and I will get back to you to let you know how I got on?

Regards
Gerryw

Title: Re: Dashboard Bulb Replacement
Post by Snoopy on Jan 11^th, 2008, 8:11am

Patience dear boy PATIENCE.....
It can sometimes take SEVERAL Attempts before you get the right technique....

;D ;D ;D ;D ;)
GOOD LUCK

Title: Re: Dashboard Bulb Replacement
Post by Geoff_W on Jan 11^th, 2008, 12:40pm

Gerry

Probably one of the best uses for a credit card, but make sure that you use an expired one ;)

Title: Re: Dashboard Bulb Replacement
Post by Snoopy on Jan 11^th, 2008, 3:17pm

NAW I use a current one ussually makes it unusable..... SHAME ! ;) ;) ;)

Title: Re: Dashboard Bulb Replacement
Post by gerryw on Jan 12^th, 2008, 12:42pm

Hi all,
I was going to try the Credit card method yesterday but a thought occured to me (it does happen now and again), how easy or hard is it to refit the A/C cc bezel?

I know, probably a foolish question and I expect to hear... "the same way you took it out...fool"!!

But you know what piece of mind is, just after a bit of reassurance regards the refitting process?

Best regards
Gerryw

Title: Re: Dashboard Bulb Replacement
Post by Simmo on Jan 12^th, 2008, 1:36pm

Absolutely straightforward. Locate the 'tang', ease it over the two 'screen' buttons and then it will simply push back in and click into place. ;)

Title: Re: Dashboard Bulb Replacement
Post by TiberiuS on Jan 13^th, 2008, 12:34am

If Simmo can do it, anyone can ;D ;)

Getting the d**n thing out is the problem, getting it back afterwards is no poblem :)

Title: Re: Dashboard Bulb Replacement
Post by Simmo on Jan 13^th, 2008, 8:34am

[quote author=TiberiuS ]If Simmo can do it, anyone can ;D ;)

Bruce !!!. :o ;D

Title: Re: Dashboard Bulb Replacement
Post by Snoopy on Jan 13^th, 2008, 8:37am

Quote:

If Simmo can do it, anyone can

Another prosective member ... I think so ! :D
Put his name on the list Mike!

Its time we had another executive meeting !