thethirdman

i have a 95 v6 mustang. One day after it snowed a little i noticed that half the dashboard lights were dim to the point where i could read the gas tank, oil gauge and half the speedometer. I have no technical car experience, but is there an easy way i can fix this.

PRO50SC

Most likely the bulbs in the instrument panel are just burned out. It will have to be pulled to be able to check the bulbs.

dsum14

I agree. If all your lights were out and your taillights it would probably be a fuse. But only half the bulbs out it is probably the bulbs.
D

thethirdman

So i have to take this to a mechanic, or is there any easy way for me to do this myself?

PRO50SC

It's not to hard but you do have to have a certain level of mechanical aptitude. Do you feel you have some skill, if so give it a try. Basically a bunch of screws, some electrical connectors and the speedo cable. Just pay attention and you should be fine.

thethirdman

Are there any online guides you could point me to, in opening the dashboard up.

PRO50SC

It's kinda' a generic description but will help you out.

Instrument Panel Mounting
1. Instrument Cluster Removal
2. Remove both switches from the sides of the upper trim plate.
3. Remove the 3 screws and the lower trim panel.
4. Remove the steering column cover by removing the 2 screws from the bottom.
5. Remove the 5 screws holding the upper trim piece and then remove the upper trim piece.
6. Remove the lower metal bracket.
7. Remove the 4 instrument cluster screws.
8. Reach behind the instrument cluster and disconnect the speedometer cable by depressing the retaining
clamp.
9. Remove the entire instrument cluster from the dash and disconnect the factory wiring harness.


Once the cluster is out, you will see how the bulbs plug in from the rear, replace them all while it's out.

Here is what the back of it looks like.


Well sorta, it's not out of a 95 but the idea is the same.