Intrument Cluster bulb replacement (help!)

Hey,

This is my first time posting on the site. I'm glad I was able to find a place to discuss the Ford Taurus

I recently bought myself a 2003 Taurus SE with 79,000 kms (49,000 miles). So far it's been a great car to drive but I've noticed that the instrument cluster bulb is burnt out. It's between the speedo and tach. The other bulbs are still working and I can still see how fast I'm driving.. but it's not as bright.

Ford wants 1 and half hours labour to do the job (roughly $150 Cdn). I'd rather do the job myself. I removed the 2 screws above the instrument cluster with hopes of removing the trim. But it appears that I might have to remove other stuff in order to get this trim piece out.

Could someone provide me with some instructions or pictures on the proper procedure for removal?. I should also point out that the car has a floor shifter.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Based on my 2000 service manual, it's a bit nasty. You have to remove the center finish panel first to get at some hidden screws.
Disconnect battery
Apply parking brake
put floor shift in '1'
Remove ICP (where the radio/climate controls are)
[Use special Ford radio removal tool in 4 holes to release tabs, pull out panel, then unplug wires.]
Remove lower steering column cover
Remove ashtray
Reach thru ICP hole to remove a connector to finally remove the panel

To remove the main trim panel:
Lower steering to lowest tilt
Remove headlamp switch
If column shift, put in '1'.
You may need to remove the traction control switch connector.

Once you've done that, there are 4 screws holding the gauges in.

There may be some shortcuts, like only partially removing the center panel so you can get at those screws.

Now you know why they charge so much!!

Thanks for the help....

This sounds more complicated then I had expected.

Is there any way of removing the instrument cluster trim without having to touch the radio?. How the heck can I remove the radio without the proper tool?. There appears to be 4 holes but it's obviously too small for a screw driver.

By disconnecting the battery.... is this to prevent blowing any fuses?.

Check auto stores, maybe even someplace like Walmart, for the radio tool. It's two U-shaped rods that hook into the holes. You push them in just enough to 'click', then tip them outwards a bit, then pull. You could use 4 small screwdrivers or other rods, but you have to be careful to only go in far enough to reach the tabs. Too far, and you bend the metal tabs to the point where the radio will not come out without damaging something.

This is what they look like:
http://www.amazon.com/OTC-7575-Ford-Radio-Removal/dp/B0002SRBJ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1265923088&sr=8-1

I assume disconnecting the battery is for safety, since you are unplugging harnesses and connectors. With all the electronics these days, you can blow up something easily.

Thanks for the link. I'll have to get myself one of those tools for removing the battery. It's unbelievable how much work is involved just to replace one little bulb. I guess it's not complicated if you've done this before... but for me this will be a challenge. I'm willing to give it a try. If worse comes to worse... I'll live with it.

Hope its not too late, but here's an alternative to purchasing the Ford "Din" Tools:
http://www.i-hacked.com/content/view/213/45/

I've made and used these on a 2002 Ford Taurus with success.