Instrument lights dim

Tiny
MECHANCHICK
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 FORD ESCAPE
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
The gauge lights (Speedometer, tachometer, temperature) on my daughter's vehicle listed above are very dim. It's very difficult to see how fast you're going at night even with the adjustment wheel turned all the way up to the brightest setting.
I found instructions on how to pull the instrument cluster to replace the bulbs but I can't locate info on what size bulb and how many I need. Anyone know the answer to this?

The lights for warning indicators seem to be fine.
Monday, February 1st, 2021 AT 7:44 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

I believe I have the Phillips part number. Here it is. 161LLB2 You can cross-reference that part number to other manufacturers. However, I would remove one and compare it to the part I mentioned just to confirm.

Let me know if that helps or if you have other questions.

Take care and God bless,

Joe
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Monday, February 1st, 2021 AT 5:29 PM
Tiny
MECHANCHICK
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Joe, thanks for your reply. Any idea how many I'll need?
Busy single mom here and I'd like to have the bulbs at the ready so I don't have to pull the cluster, check the bulbs, re-assemble, order the bulbs and pull the cluster again after they arrive.
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Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021 AT 8:26 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Honestly, I went through three schematics of the instrument cluster and no show how many bulbs there are. What I would suggest is to first remove the bulbs and confirm the part number I gave you is correct. That is what my manual shows, but anything is possible.

Joe
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Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021 AT 2:35 PM
Tiny
MECHANCHICK
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Joe, thanks so much! It'll be my weekend project. :)
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Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021 AT 2:36 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
You are very welcome. Please let me know if I can help and how things turn out for you.

Take care and God bless,

Joe
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Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021 AT 2:38 PM

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