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Ford Factory Radio Display Bulb Replacement


1qaz

Active Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2015
Messages
342
Reaction score
48
Points
28
Location
USA
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
2.3 (4 Cylinder)
Engine Size
2.3L
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Original Poster: 1qaz

Difficulty: 2 out of 10 (if you include removing radio from dash, 1 otherwise)

Time to install: 15 minutes

Disclaimer: The Ranger Station.com, The Ranger Station.com Staff, nor the original poster are responsible for you doing this modification to your vehicle. By doing this modification and following this how-to you, the installer, take full responsibility if anything is damaged or messed up. If you have questions, feel free to PM the original poster or ask in the appropriate section of The Ranger Station.com forums.

Brief Explanation: Quick How-to to replace burned out display bulb on older Ford factory radio/clock/cassette. A faintly visible display is a telltale sign the backlight bulb is burned out.

Tools Needed:
- Philips head screwdriver
- Needle nose pliers

Parts Needed:
- 1 ea #37 replacement bulb

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Step 1: Remove radio from dash which involves removing trim and bezel depending on your year of Ranger. In my 1987 XLT the trim just snaps out and the bezel is held in with 8 ea Philips head screws. Some radios require a radio extraction tool. Mine does not...it is only held in with 4 ea Philips head mounting screws. Pictured below is the referenced radio.



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Step 2: Remove the knobs from the front panel by pulling straight up. Note: It helps to turn all knobs completely counterclockwise to ease in alignment when replacing them.



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Step 3: Remove left hand (LH) mount to expose face plate screw.



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Step 4: Remove LH face plate screw.



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Step 5: Repeat on RH side.



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Step 6: Gently lift face plate from top (as you are looking down on it) and rotate forward to expose the backlight bulb (highlighted). Be mindful of the control ribbon and wires at the bottom and do not pull so hard you pull them out. Carefully remove bulb with a pair of needle nose pliers or equivalent. Note: The bulb just seats in the socket (straight down) and does not turn or otherwise screw in.



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Step 7: Replace with a #37 bulb.



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Step 8: Reassemble in reverse order and place back in dash and test.



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Final Step: Reinstall bezel and trim.
 



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