Instrument panel lighting

KOCHANHS

MEMBER
FORD F-150

Hello,
Sadly, I have a 2002 Ford Taurus SES with only 67,000 miles. I regret the day that I bought this car 2 yrs ago from a dealership. I have told my family and friends to stay away from buying Ford.

A week ago, my light on the instrumental panel did not work where the fuel gauge (E/F) is located. The funny thing is the rest of the panel had lighting. Usually I see my panel light up when I turn on the headlights at night time. I was worried and could not sleep. I inquired at many service stations and they said I had to take it to the dealership for this burnt bulb? The dealership said it would cost $150 to replace the burnt bulb and the labor.

Also, my windshield washer fluid line broke and I was told to take this to the dealer. I am afraid on the price I will get charged.

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you that mechanics at the service stations and the dealership did not take me seriously because I am a female. This pissed me off so much because we are all human and need to be treated with respect. This one of the big reason why I dread taking my car to be serviced.

Please advise on how I can fix the windshield washer fluid line. Also, can you help me get light back in my life again regarding the instrument panel?

Thanks in advance.

2 Replies

BACKYARDMECHANIC

MECHANIC
337 POSTS

I can understand your frustration. My wife brought in our car to a local shop for inspection. They put the car on the lift and told her she needed brakes. What they didn't know is that my wife could teach them a thing or two about cars and that the brakes had just been changed the week before. Needless to say we no longer go there. As for your Bulb, unfortunattly They are charging you the labor to get at the bulb. The dash has to come apart. As aweful and as sexist as this may sound, take a male with you to the mechanic. Even if the guy you take knows nothing about cars it adds to your credibility. I would also write to Ford and ask if any of this is under warrranty. I have checked for recalls but do not see any posted as of yet but that doesn't mean they aren't there.