These instructions by Chris Fix were spot on for replacing my dashboard lights. The dealership wanted $300 to do. It costs me $2.69 per bulb (times six bulbs) and about 1 hour of my time. The best instructions I've ever seen in image quality and step by step instructions. Thanks Chris!
I also do it to have a bit of fun too I changed dash lights too in my dads car it was incredibly simple yee I had to do it a few times n stuff to like get it right tho
Does anyone else recognize how particular he is and how helpful his tips are? Wearing latex gloves to not touch the bulb so the oils from his fingers don't wear the bulb down by overheating from the oils. Never would have thought of that. Nice my man
WOW! I'm 73 and have to Google/TH-cam everything! This was by Far the most Professional Video I have ever seen put on TH-cam! I was actually looking for how to replace the Bulbs with LED's in my 1967 Chevelle and accidently came across this Video and watched all of it because of Chris' Calm and Professional Manner and Demeanor! Way to go Young Man!!!
Chris There are lots of people making videos on line, and I am not easy to impress, but man you do a great job. Camera is steady, your explanations are fluid, and complete. I have used several of them and they have all worked very well. I drive 2 95 Toyota pick ups, and daughter has Honda civic. Have done headlight adjust, tire shine, dash light replace, coolant flush,windshield super clean, heat gun on faded plastic, and more. I am pretty good mechanic, but it nice to see things when it is something new to me. Also there are lots of ways to do things and it's good to get another perspective or get confirmation of what to do. Thanks for doing it right.
Fred Brink Thanks a lot Fred! I am glad my videos are top notch and stand out from the others! That is awesome that all those videos have been helpful! I love hearing that! I know what you mean when you say that there are lots of ways to do things and it is good to get another perspective. I am always learning myself and it is neat to see how the same job can be done a different way but you get similar results!
@ChrisFix Thank you, everything FredBrink said above is spot on. You are doing such a great service to all who venture into the area of auto repair. Been bustin knuckles for over 30yrs learnin the hard way.Thanks again for your well thought out video tutorials!
$1000 worth of labor for a $1 part...it reminds me of a story (not sure if it's true) about an old Dodge that required the removal of the rear chrome bumper in order to change the license plate light. Thanks, Chris. This was pure joy watching you work through this job, as usual.
ChrisFix OMNG I helped a friend change his heater core on his 89 T-bird... yikes, had to basically take the dash out, took almost two full days over the weekend and there were parts everywhere. Didn't have too many leftover bolts LOL! The worst part is it blew head gaskets a week or two later and he parked it. The head gasket was going but so was the heater core. Plug one leak, then it makes the other leaks worse...
Great video! I was able to replace my dash lights on my 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac thanks to Chris. All of my components matched Chris' exactly. It was difficult for me to contort my 6'5" frame into position at times, but it got done. I'm amazed that Chris was able to get such great footage from such cramped spaces. Bravo!
I recently bought my 2000 Ranger, and oh boy have I been going back and watching every single video you've done on the B-series. Making a big playlist of everything I need to do to fix my truck up! My middle lightbulb burnt out, so this is perfect!
Chris, I've gotta say that your patience and teaching is phenomenal! I just did this job on my 03 ranger because my fuel gauge and half of my speedometer was out. Now my dashboard at night looks beautiful! I couldn't of done the job with your teaching keep up the good work!
Very well done. I've done mechanic work since I was a lad of about 16 (I'm now 67) and I very much enjoy your professionalism in your step by step presentation . . . being sure to tell the wrench/socket sizes as you go . . . very helpful. You move very slowly and deliberately and you make it obvious that you can understand the HOWS of teaching; bring it down to the basics so that ALL can understand. GOOD JOB my friend . . . RISH of WEST SALEM
Superb instructional video & without the bloody music that one does not need when you are concentrating on a subject of this nature!! Clear concise speech, no sluring or the rolling of words together & therefore easy to understand as well as not speaking too fast!! Spoke with good defined subject knowledge & appreciate the fast forward action at times to eliminate unnecessary repetitive subject/time consumption!! Overall a well done video thank you!! If you want to know how to change those dashboard lights this is exactly the video you need & most importantly this guy knows what he is doing as without a doubt he's a smart bugger!!
Chris, I cannot thank you enough for finding out what size the smaller bulbs are. There's nothing listed in the manuals about what size they are and most videos don't care to even comment on what size they are. I have a few that are out (or removed cause of shady sellers) and wanted to find out what size they are before I took everything apart.
I have to compliment you on your tutorials! Whether they work well for everyone or not, your narration is excellent and your presentation style is well thought out. Your videos aren't any longer than they need to be, but contain as much information as possible without skipping any steps (as many others do). I especially love the additional tips in each one that most wouldn't think of, such as covering the flat head tip to not damage anything. Keep up the good work and maybe you'll have to do a tutorial to others on how to give great tutorials!
The part about using LED's and having to turn them around is so helpful cause I think that's my problem... Chris really is the best DIY guy out here, thanks dude.
Hey Greg, I see your reply about using LEDS. I think they have a cleaner look but I am not sure about how it changes the electronics as ChrisFix mentions. May you please clarify what "turning them around" means? Thanks!
@@lukascolf8868 LED lights have a thing called polarity meaning you have to plug them in the right orientation. Plugging them in backwards (meaning 180 degrees in the wrong rotation) will cause them to not work. You pretty much a 50/50 chance of getting the right orientation if you don’t check the diodes before hand. If you plug them in and they don’t end up working it’s not a big deal. Just flip them around 180 degrees and they will work. Most LED lights these days can work both orientations, both normal and reverse polarity just like incandescent bulbs. About Chris mentioning how he doesn’t know how they will change the electronics: A lot of LED lights don’t like to be dimmed, they will flicker. So by installing LED lights you are sacrificing the function of dimming your dash. That’s the only electronic downside.
Not all cars require this much work to remove the dash panel. In my old car, it was just a matter of removing the screws holding the dash panel in place and popping it out. Didn't need to remove several pieces of the dashboard to get it out.
I have been a mechanic since I was about 15 years old . . . my father had a motor company and so I started young. Since then I have enjoyed teaching many things about many topics; it takes a logical mind and a gift/skill at how to present your information so that EVERYONE could understand it. ChrisFix you are one of those with a gift of presentation; you cover every detail EXCELLENTLY . . . no wonder you have so many subscribers . . . good for you, I found your video VERY helpful. Rish, Salem, Oregon
I'm so happy I found this channel. Everything I've needed so far has been here, and you describe everything in a really easy to follow way, and your camera work is great. Keep it up!
Hey Chris, thank you for all the great tips. I own a '02 ranger and I have used your videos as a great reference. I too changed the cluster lights on my truck. I used the led bulbs. They work great! The adjust well with my dimmer and talk about making the interior look great... Thanks for the help.
Thank you Chris! Where Chilton and Haynes books are near useless, your video contained every step, every pitfall, what to look for, how to test before full assembly and the full final assembly. The only thing missing was how to install the hidden problems; the blasted hood release and connecting the shift marker. Watching you hook up the shift marker is not the same as actually hooking the thing up ourselves. I finally managed to connect the wire by feel. Your video did give me the knowledge of what to feel and hook. Even with the difficult to assemble parts, the overall time to finish the job was in hours. Without your video it would have been days for me. Going in: I knew what wrenches and sockets I needed. I knew what bulbs I needed and ordered them before I desperately needed them. Plus, it fixed my missing brake warning light. Thank you!
I have a 97 Ranger and your videos are priceless to me. I am doing this tomorrow. I ordered a used instrument panel bezel, and new light bulbs for the cluster, I am also going to fix my shift select indicator position. Thank you Chris for having this YT channel. You are awesome. Time to drink some wooder!
I had no idea how to replace these bulbs until I watched this video. I had some trouble prying off the dimming harness but other than that the job was painless and took me about 2 1/2 hours to complete. I replaced 6 bulbs totaling just under $20...a huge savings compared to the bill I would have received from an auto repair shop. Thanks Chris!!!
I just did this to my 02 ranger following the video step by step and it worked great. The two connectors for the on/off switch and the dimmer are by the far the most tedious steps (the flat head is the only way you will get them undone). Definitely do the light test before screwing everything back together, I did this and found one of my bulbs wasn't fully snapped in place. As a result of the test I ended up saving a good amount of time not having to remove everything all over again. I have a very limited set of tools and I am quite inexperienced with car work so I went slow and was cautious not to break anything. Took about 3 hours, however, if I were to do it again I bet I could manage doing it in an hour or less now that I am familiar with the process. Lastly, I will note that I am one of the lucky few whose gear shifting plastic piece isn't broken, however, I still needed to tinker with it to have the indicator hover more accurately. Thanks Chris!
This is so helpful. the fact that someone takes the time to make these videos is seriously a money saver! so for all you youtubers making these type of videos THANK YOU 🙏❤️🔧😎👍❤️🔧🔧🔧
ChrisFix I believe some LEDs are dimmable now. Personally I stick with incandescent bulbs in the cluster for more even light distribution. LEDs tend to have light "hot spots" which is by design, they cannot nicely cast light 360 degrees like old school bulbs.
They can also be a pain because the polarity of the LED bulb is important. You have a 50/50 chance of getting it right/wrong. Install it, check to see if it lights up. If not, pull the bulb and rotate it 180* and it should be okay.
Just bought an 02 Ford Ranger and man, your videos are a blessing. This will be one of the first tasks I complete on the truck and this video was just what I was looking for.
I had a 2002 Ford Ranger. I had MANY similar problems with it that you do, like the dash light being out in the same spot, gear indicator being offset, 3rd brake light being worn worse than normal, bad suspension, etc. I got rid of it because of all of these problems and have found your channel about a year later and wish I found it sooner. Crazy the problems are so similar. Great content
I've been a mechanic since 1985 and have about did it all. You do a real good job showing the steps on repairing things. I have a 2001 ranger I need to do that too now. One side of the tach is dark. I replaced them once and it was so sunny out I couldn't see if it was burning before putting it all back. Of course it did not work so I need to do it again, lol.
I've been planning to do this on my 98 Explorer since my oil side bulb is out. I was originally going to follow information on explorer forum, but having found this video I'm much more confident doing this project and not really worried about breaking anything now.
Chris You are the only one that is smart enough to disconnect the battery out of all the videos I have seen on this subject. Right on Man! An ounce of prevention goes a long way.
Chris, your videos are uniformly excellent. A common problem with 1st generation Ridgelines is a poorly lit center console HVAC gauge. Please consider doing a video on addressing that. BTW, I use an air compressor ratchet to remove multiple bolts and small magnetic catch trays. Saves time and helps reduce chance of small hardware rolling away and "disappearing.
I did it! Now I can see my speed gas and everything! LOL Thank you for the video, very encouraging and good instructions. Very much appreciated since I only spent less than $20 on what would otherwise be a pricey fix. :D
Watching this video brings me back memories of my uncle's old 95 Ford Ranger that passed away. He took really good of his truck just like you do yours. Miss him and that truck.
Thanks again Chris. I followed your instructions and it was super easy to replace all the bulbs. It seems like a lot of work but it was all pretty simple once you know what to do.
If you're having a hard time removing small light bulbs and your concerned you're going to break the bulb in you hand just wrap some duct tape around the bulb and pull on the tape hanging off the end of the bulb. Learned this while replacing climate control bulbs.
@@mattmilford8106 That a stretch, these bulbs aren't paper thin. you can hold them and never break unless you crush hen with something. You want to keep oils from your hands off the bulbs because that is holding in the heat which needs to dissipate away
I own a 2000 ford ranger and I had changed 3 bulbs in the dashboard and the two on the ac 5 total. So I had no experience and the mechanics and dealerships will charge a fortune to do it, i decided to do it myself, it took me almost 6 hours to do it, but I did it with out breaking anything. I spent 24 dollars for the bulbs and it was done. Thanks for all your videos man.
Thanks Chris! I just replaced the dim lights in my 2001 Ford Ranger instrument cluster - the process was identical to your car. Much easier than I thought it would be. You sure know how to save your subscribers a bundle of money and have fun doing it!!
I wish I had discovered your videos when you posted this. I would have fixed my old car's dashboard lights then! =). Awesome video as usual, I've been learning so much from you.
Pretty sure this was one of the first videos that got me hooked on the channel, needed to replace the dead bulbs on my dash cluster. Miss my old Ranger. Got totaled when someone hit me from behind and did too much damage to the body that their insurance said it cost more to repair than it was worth. It's been a while so I'm not 100% sure of the details, but I think I remember that if I wanted to fix it myself I'd have to get a salvage title since it was totaled so I took the money and put it towards my newer F-150.
You're channel is a live saver bro. I have a '00 ranger and one by one my lights have been winking out. The truck has a ton of problems and your videos cover most of them. Keep up the amazing work.
Love your content Chris. 4 yrs later and this was still super helpful. haven't done this yet but I'm thinking I'll make a video response to me doing this my self. Making a non car guy become a car guy one step at a time!
Holy shit! It's been a number of years since I did any of my own work on a car. And I guess my age is showing but I can remember changing a dash light was as simple as laying down across the front seat, and reaching up behind the dash, unplugging a socket and removing a small bulb, replacing it with a new one and plugging it back in. The whole process took about 5 minutes. Who the hell came up with this better idea? Bulbs still burn out at the same rate. Which I grant isn't very often. But an hours worth of work to change one bulb? Hell yeah, I'm going to change every one of them.
Cars got a lot more complicated in the last few decades. My father said he liked the old AMC cars, they were more straight forward and easy to fix. He's also getting older and finds himself baffled with today's cars.
Lots of electronics, safety equipment, crumple zones, and other parts have been crammed into and under the dashes of newer cars. There was a time when a couple of simple gauges, a switch or two and a couple of levers were the only things inside the cabin besides the seats and steering wheel. Even the seats and wheel have changed in massive ways. Radio, cruise control, Bluetooth, heated seats, memory positions for different drivers! Our cars definitely aren't what they used to be and nobody can tell what the next 50 and 100 years will bring.
Yep that is the reason Chris replaced all the back light bulbs with long lasting ones so it will be many years before he has to do this again. He probably won't even have the vehicle when it needs to be done again.
My 2005 Grand Cherokee is one of those vehicles I suppose this is still really easy on. All you have to do in the Jeep is remove the plastic bezel, unbolt the cluster (four bolts, I think) and then replace your bulbs.
Chris, Excellent, excellent, excellent video! I love the detail. I hate videos that skip a step or are unclear and you shake you head and wonder, "Exactly what did he do?" I love the fact that you count each set of bolts. Thanks!
No one is better then you at showing how to videos.. You are obviously a great mechanic..im not saying you chris are best mechanic hell you might be not saying that though.. You are with out a doubt the best at youtube mechanic videos.. Thank you so much
The instructions were great, everything worked perfectly. I was actually swapping an Explorer dash in so I could have a tach in my manual truck. Just swapped the odometer over to the new one so the mileage was correct and it all worked just that easy
Cristian del bosque I think it was from a 2000 or 01 exploder. Full disclosure though - I think Ford changed the pins somewhere around 1996 or 1997 so now my car says "Check Gas Cap" instead of "Door Ajar" when the door is open which doesnt really bother me. It would probably be possible to make a few changes to the plug to fix that. I'm just happy to have a tach
Hey Chris, this was a very informative video like always, you should but can you make a video of putting leds in the dash and changing out the faceplate of the drift sting ????
thanks for this. wished that I saw this video a lot sooner. had my dash board lights totally went out. had to drive at night with a flashlight pointing to show my speed. :/
I did some checking. An independent local mechanic will charge you $180. A Ford dealership will charge you $ $325 This is based by Ford mechanics labor manual of 3 hours. Plus, of course, the light bulbs. Which is marked up about $30 a bulb. For the first time as a novice, I replaced the dashboard bulbs in about 48 minutes. The first 15 minutes is watching ChrisFix do his thing.
I watched this video a couple times and then started taking out bolts. In less than 30 minutes, I replaced all but one bulb (because I ran out). Thank you so much!
Hey Chris - I had a 1999 Buick Century - the odometer mileage light or PRND321 lights did not light, had to solder some resisters on the circuit board, while I had every thing apart I did as you did changed each small bulb not just one , a little of a pain but better then going to get it repaired at a garage . Good Video - Keep Then Coming -
@@TheOfficialEmu Atleast yours is aslo backlit, my old 1985 VW has a dash that is lit from above, the light above the clock isn't working anymore so I only see my speed at night.
Damn, whenever I have an issue, I go to Chris for kind of general info if I don't understand something, and this was exactly my solution for my Ford truck, dash dimming from the bulbs in the instrument cluster. Sure, I'll go to other resources for more specific stuff, but Chris's attention to detail definitely introduces you to the topic and might even be your solution entirely (given that most vehicles are the same with the way the dash works).
Christer Svenning I have to take the ENTIRE dash apart on my regal to take the cluster out. Driver and passenger side. It looks like mad max when it's apart.
Why didnt you just unscrew the black plastic piece around the instrument panal save you a lot of time and work than it is a easy fix in 5 minutes only to screws on the top facing to your window and on the bottum site are clips
ChrisFix I need help I have a 05 Buick lesabre and when I bought it the car had a problem with the lights twitching and me and my dad cannot figure it out we even put a different cluster in it to see if that was the problem and it still twitches
You’re vids are awesome and super detailed. Actually pointing out the important crap and not rambling on about crap nobody needs to know about. Just bought my first car for school and your tutorials are great. Thanks so much
gotta love it...this took me 20 mins tops....I replaced all my bulbs just because the air bag bulb went out and I was getting that chime 5 beeps 5 times...lol yea the air bag light will do that!! Great video Chris
Steven Muro keep watching the videos because if your only 12 in another few years you may have your own car and you'll be able to fix things on your own which will save you and your parents money it gives you self gratification when you can do something on your own hey you will be able to fix your friends cars and make money GOOD LUCK!!
Thank you Chris! I changed the dash bulbs for my 98 Ford Windstar. It's pretty much the same precedure regarding to the panel disassembly. And instead of halogen bulbs, I placed LED lights. It's such a change with LED. Subbed to your channel. Thank you!
I know this is old but it was very helpful. My son bought his first car, a 2002 Taurus SEL, and most of the lights on the dash were not working so you could not see the speedometer at night. Not good. LOL. It was a little bit different that this one but close enough to figure out. Replaces all 5 bulbs and it works great now. Thanks Chris. Going to try the Restore Headlights PERMANENTLY next. Thanks for all your videos!
These instructions by Chris Fix were spot on for replacing my dashboard lights. The dealership wanted $300 to do. It costs me $2.69 per bulb (times six bulbs) and about 1 hour of my time. The best instructions I've ever seen in image quality and step by step instructions. Thanks Chris!
Awesome! I'm glad you saved a ton of money!
300 😯
I also do it to have a bit of fun too I changed dash lights too in my dads car it was incredibly simple yee I had to do it a few times n stuff to like get it right tho
Everything is overpriced on cars, buying parts and changing is good for getting skills, saving money and knowledge as well
Does anyone else recognize how particular he is and how helpful his tips are? Wearing latex gloves to not touch the bulb so the oils from his fingers don't wear the bulb down by overheating from the oils. Never would have thought of that. Nice my man
WOW! I'm 73 and have to Google/TH-cam everything! This was by Far the most Professional Video I have ever seen put on TH-cam! I was actually looking for how to replace the Bulbs with LED's in my 1967 Chevelle and accidently came across this Video and watched all of it because of Chris' Calm and Professional Manner and Demeanor! Way to go Young Man!!!
Back when Chris didn't show his excitement!
lol, I wasn't as excited to film as I was now!
@@chrisfix i am * (jk) Love your videos Chris 💪🏻
Even tho i am 14 i still watch your videos daily .
Greetings from Macedonia 🇲🇰!
@@chrisfix Do you have a video that shows your face, lol
hunter capps his very fisrt corvette video 10 years ago
@@MrQuackadoodledoo check out his how to tint video, u can see him there
Chris There are lots of people making videos on line, and I am not easy to impress, but man you do a great job. Camera is steady, your explanations are fluid, and complete. I have used several of them and they have all worked very well. I drive 2 95 Toyota pick ups, and daughter has Honda civic. Have done headlight adjust, tire shine, dash light replace, coolant flush,windshield super clean, heat gun on faded plastic, and more. I am pretty good mechanic, but it nice to see things when it is something new to me. Also there are lots of ways to do things and it's good to get another perspective or get confirmation of what to do. Thanks for doing it right.
Fred Brink Thanks a lot Fred! I am glad my videos are top notch and stand out from the others! That is awesome that all those videos have been helpful! I love hearing that! I know what you mean when you say that there are lots of ways to do things and it is good to get another perspective. I am always learning myself and it is neat to see how the same job can be done a different way but you get similar results!
@ChrisFix Thank you, everything FredBrink said above is spot on. You are doing such a great service to all who venture into the area of auto repair. Been bustin knuckles for over 30yrs learnin the hard way.Thanks again for your well thought out video tutorials!
Very well said!, my thoughts also. Camera work is just as good as the mechanical work!
Chris fix , Fordtechmakuloco,and 1aauto best on TH-cam
ChrisFix MM
$1000 worth of labor for a $1 part...it reminds me of a story (not sure if it's true) about an old Dodge that required the removal of the rear chrome bumper in order to change the license plate light. Thanks, Chris. This was pure joy watching you work through this job, as usual.
A LeBlanc Thanks a lot buddy! Yea, it's like a heater core job! It makes you wonder what these engineers are thinking when they design a car.
ChrisFix OMNG I helped a friend change his heater core on his 89 T-bird... yikes, had to basically take the dash out, took almost two full days over the weekend and there were parts everywhere. Didn't have too many leftover bolts LOL! The worst part is it blew head gaskets a week or two later and he parked it. The head gasket was going but so was the heater core. Plug one leak, then it makes the other leaks worse...
Really dam cause i will pay for this to be done thats alot dont trust myself doing putting it back together
If a friend ever asks you to help change out the battery in their Ford Escape, just say no….
You're a brave man going into a dash. That's where nightmares live.
Lol
@@chrisfix 😳
I just learned THAT. The HARD way. Main dash lights won't work and tail lights out now, too.
@@HATEgoo-gle did you ever figure out what happen
@@westg463 fuse blew in second, secret fuse box...Not the one next to the dash, of course, the one hidden under the hood.
Great video! I was able to replace my dash lights on my 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac thanks to Chris. All of my components matched Chris' exactly. It was difficult for me to contort my 6'5" frame into position at times, but it got done. I'm amazed that Chris was able to get such great footage from such cramped spaces. Bravo!
I recently bought my 2000 Ranger, and oh boy have I been going back and watching every single video you've done on the B-series. Making a big playlist of everything I need to do to fix my truck up! My middle lightbulb burnt out, so this is perfect!
Chris, I've gotta say that your patience and teaching is phenomenal! I just did this job on my 03 ranger because my fuel gauge and half of my speedometer was out. Now my dashboard at night looks beautiful! I couldn't of done the job with your teaching keep up the good work!
+Evan Ward That is awesome! Glad the videos have been helpful!
Very well done. I've done mechanic work since I was a lad of about 16 (I'm now 67) and I very much enjoy your professionalism in your step by step presentation . . . being sure to tell the wrench/socket sizes as you go . . . very helpful. You move very slowly and deliberately and you make it obvious that you can understand the HOWS of teaching; bring it down to the basics so that ALL can understand. GOOD JOB my friend . . . RISH of WEST SALEM
Thanks a lot!
This guy is the man, I watch his vids for my 2002 Ford Ranger XLT.. Excellent info and camera action
Thanks for the feedback! I am glad you find my videos helpful!
Superb instructional video & without the bloody music that one does not need when you are concentrating on a subject of this nature!! Clear concise speech, no sluring or the rolling of words together & therefore easy to understand as well as not speaking too fast!!
Spoke with good defined subject knowledge & appreciate the fast forward action at times to eliminate unnecessary repetitive subject/time consumption!! Overall a well done video thank you!! If you want to know how to change those dashboard lights this is exactly the video you need & most importantly this guy knows what he is doing as without a doubt he's a smart bugger!!
5 years back Chris: hey guys
Chris now: HEEYYY GUUUUYYYSSS
Chris, I cannot thank you enough for finding out what size the smaller bulbs are. There's nothing listed in the manuals about what size they are and most videos don't care to even comment on what size they are. I have a few that are out (or removed cause of shady sellers) and wanted to find out what size they are before I took everything apart.
I have to compliment you on your tutorials! Whether they work well for everyone or not, your narration is excellent and your presentation style is well thought out. Your videos aren't any longer than they need to be, but contain as much information as possible without skipping any steps (as many others do).
I especially love the additional tips in each one that most wouldn't think of, such as covering the flat head tip to not damage anything. Keep up the good work and maybe you'll have to do a tutorial to others on how to give great tutorials!
+psoup216 Thanks a lot! I really appreciate it! I am glad the videos have been helpful!
The part about using LED's and having to turn them around is so helpful cause I think that's my problem... Chris really is the best DIY guy out here, thanks dude.
Hey Greg,
I see your reply about using LEDS. I think they have a cleaner look but I am not sure about how it changes the electronics as ChrisFix mentions. May you please clarify what "turning them around" means? Thanks!
@@lukascolf8868 LED lights have a thing called polarity meaning you have to plug them in the right orientation. Plugging them in backwards (meaning 180 degrees in the wrong rotation) will cause them to not work. You pretty much a 50/50 chance of getting the right orientation if you don’t check the diodes before hand. If you plug them in and they don’t end up working it’s not a big deal. Just flip them around 180 degrees and they will work.
Most LED lights these days can work both orientations, both normal and reverse polarity just like incandescent bulbs.
About Chris mentioning how he doesn’t know how they will change the electronics: A lot of LED lights don’t like to be dimmed, they will flicker. So by installing LED lights you are sacrificing the function of dimming your dash. That’s the only electronic downside.
@@deltazip Alright, thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to type this out for me.
I didn’t know there was so much dash surgery involved just to change some light bulbs. Thanks for the info anyway.
It depends on the car. I was able to remove my instrument panel which was held with only 8 screws.
Not all cars require this much work to remove the dash panel. In my old car, it was just a matter of removing the screws holding the dash panel in place and popping it out. Didn't need to remove several pieces of the dashboard to get it out.
I have been a mechanic since I was about 15 years old . . . my father had a motor company and so I started young. Since then I have enjoyed teaching many things about many topics; it takes a logical mind and a gift/skill at how to present your information so that EVERYONE could understand it. ChrisFix you are one of those with a gift of presentation; you cover every detail EXCELLENTLY . . . no wonder you have so many subscribers . . . good for you, I found your video VERY helpful. Rish, Salem, Oregon
Best video ever. You didn't miss a thing. Very helpful. Thank you Chris
I'm so happy I found this channel. Everything I've needed so far has been here, and you describe everything in a really easy to follow way, and your camera work is great. Keep it up!
Hey Chris, thank you for all the great tips. I own a '02 ranger and I have used your videos as a great reference. I too changed the cluster lights on my truck. I used the led bulbs. They work great! The adjust well with my dimmer and talk about making the interior look great... Thanks for the help.
450 dislikes?
WHY????
this guy makes literally the BEST videos on how to do diy car fix stuff.
Thank you Chris!
Where Chilton and Haynes books are near useless, your video contained every step, every pitfall, what to look for, how to test before full assembly and the full final assembly.
The only thing missing was how to install the hidden problems; the blasted hood release and connecting the shift marker. Watching you hook up the shift marker is not the same as actually hooking the thing up ourselves. I finally managed to connect the wire by feel. Your video did give me the knowledge of what to feel and hook.
Even with the difficult to assemble parts, the overall time to finish the job was in hours. Without your video it would have been days for me.
Going in: I knew what wrenches and sockets I needed. I knew what bulbs I needed and ordered them before I desperately needed them.
Plus, it fixed my missing brake warning light. Thank you!
I have a 97 Ranger and your videos are priceless to me. I am doing this tomorrow. I ordered a used instrument panel bezel, and new light bulbs for the cluster, I am also going to fix my shift select indicator position. Thank you Chris for having this YT channel. You are awesome. Time to drink some wooder!
Always love it when you work on this truck, because it's so similar to my Ford ranger 2002
No wonder they charge a mint to replace a cheap bulb
Eric Foreman i
Ah c'mon it really isn't that difficult! Just time consuming! As long as you organize the parts/screws you remove properly, it's an easy fix!
But time is money
@@Heksu99 true, but if you spend the time to do this yourself then you're saving money
lol they charged me a "pack of mints" in my country (Trinidad) ..its brutal down here!
You have a check engine light?
No prob, just remove the bulb 😉
Man Of Steel before selling it 😂😂
The next day your car won’t start
@@Ryder-Plays it’s a joke
@@KPA4861 and that was a joke too
That's a riot 😳🤣
I had no idea how to replace these bulbs until I watched this video. I had some trouble prying off the dimming harness but other than that the job was painless and took me about 2 1/2 hours to complete. I replaced 6 bulbs totaling just under $20...a huge savings compared to the bill I would have received from an auto repair shop. Thanks Chris!!!
I just did this to my 02 ranger following the video step by step and it worked great. The two connectors for the on/off switch and the dimmer are by the far the most tedious steps (the flat head is the only way you will get them undone). Definitely do the light test before screwing everything back together, I did this and found one of my bulbs wasn't fully snapped in place. As a result of the test I ended up saving a good amount of time not having to remove everything all over again. I have a very limited set of tools and I am quite inexperienced with car work so I went slow and was cautious not to break anything. Took about 3 hours, however, if I were to do it again I bet I could manage doing it in an hour or less now that I am familiar with the process. Lastly, I will note that I am one of the lucky few whose gear shifting plastic piece isn't broken, however, I still needed to tinker with it to have the indicator hover more accurately. Thanks Chris!
This is so helpful. the fact that someone takes the time to make these videos is seriously a money saver! so for all you youtubers making these type of videos THANK YOU 🙏❤️🔧😎👍❤️🔧🔧🔧
Never mind Chris I'll leave my lights orange just like it came
I promise the work is worth it!
@@chrisfix LOL
To appease your curiosity LEDs do not like being dimmed.
Tim Johnson That is what I figured. Thanks for the info!
ChrisFix I believe some LEDs are dimmable now. Personally I stick with incandescent bulbs in the cluster for more even light distribution. LEDs tend to have light "hot spots" which is by design, they cannot nicely cast light 360 degrees like old school bulbs.
They can also be a pain because the polarity of the LED bulb is important. You have a 50/50 chance of getting it right/wrong. Install it, check to see if it lights up. If not, pull the bulb and rotate it 180* and it should be okay.
Or just run a diode test on the light buld and not waste any time. Not very complicated...
Does dimming the lights service any purpose though? I always keep mine at the max setting.
Just bought an 02 Ford Ranger and man, your videos are a blessing. This will be one of the first tasks I complete on the truck and this video was just what I was looking for.
I had a 2002 Ford Ranger. I had MANY similar problems with it that you do, like the dash light being out in the same spot, gear indicator being offset, 3rd brake light being worn worse than normal, bad suspension, etc. I got rid of it because of all of these problems and have found your channel about a year later and wish I found it sooner. Crazy the problems are so similar. Great content
I've been a mechanic since 1985 and have about did it all. You do a real good job showing the steps on repairing things. I have a 2001 ranger I need to do that too now. One side of the tach is dark. I replaced them once and it was so sunny out I couldn't see if it was burning before putting it all back. Of course it did not work so I need to do it again, lol.
Haha thanks a lot man. Yea that’s never fun doing the job twice for a simple mistake.
@@chrisfix no it isn't and it hurts doing that after all this time doing such things. My stupidity.
Was that a dirty engine bay and dirty terminals on the battery?
This must not be Chris's truck.
It is his truck. The previous owner didn't maintain it at all.
I've been planning to do this on my 98 Explorer since my oil side bulb is out. I was originally going to follow information on explorer forum, but having found this video I'm much more confident doing this project and not really worried about breaking anything now.
Awesome! Glad the video was helpful!
Chris You are the only one that is smart enough to disconnect the battery out of all the videos I have seen on this subject. Right on Man! An ounce of prevention goes a long way.
Absolutely every video is a winner from start to finish. You just CANNOT beat a ChrisFix video.
Can you make a video on how to fix clogged windshield washer spray nozzle?
funkierfawn budgie im not a mechanic, but i think some vinegar or rubbing alcohol could clear that up
With a pipe cleaner
I just used some water and sprayed like a gallon in the nozzle and it started working
@Simr Khera works for me years ago.
Use a pipe cleaner with vinegar or use a needle
Chris, your videos are uniformly excellent. A common problem with 1st generation Ridgelines is a poorly lit center console HVAC gauge. Please consider doing a video on addressing that. BTW, I use an air compressor ratchet to remove multiple bolts and small magnetic catch trays. Saves time and helps reduce chance of small hardware rolling away and "disappearing.
I did it! Now I can see my speed gas and everything! LOL Thank you for the video, very encouraging and good instructions. Very much appreciated since I only spent less than $20 on what would otherwise be a pricey fix. :D
Thanks, extremely helpful.. I won't be doing it myself after watching your video.
Watching this video brings me back memories of my uncle's old 95 Ford Ranger that passed away. He took really good of his truck just like you do yours. Miss him and that truck.
Thanks again Chris. I followed your instructions and it was super easy to replace all the bulbs. It seems like a lot of work but it was all pretty simple once you know what to do.
+Aaron Spencer Awesome! Yea, it is simple but it takes forever to get the dash out.
Thanks again for this. I tackled this today on my Ranger. All total, it took me about one half hour to complete.
+TheMirageowner Awesome! Glad the video was helpful!
If you're having a hard time removing small light bulbs and your concerned you're going to break the bulb in you hand just wrap some duct tape around the bulb and pull on the tape hanging off the end of the bulb. Learned this while replacing climate control bulbs.
David Domanski Great tip David! Thanks!
Chris's videos and comments like this is why I love TH-cam!!!
So glad I read this comment! Spade ended bulbs always scare the crap out of me.
@@mattmilford8106 That a stretch, these bulbs aren't paper thin. you can hold them and never break unless you crush hen with something. You want to keep oils from your hands off the bulbs because that is holding in the heat which needs to dissipate away
I own a 2000 ford ranger and I had changed 3 bulbs in the dashboard and the two on the ac 5 total.
So I had no experience and the mechanics and dealerships will charge a fortune to do it, i decided to do it myself, it took me almost 6 hours to do it, but I did it with out breaking anything. I spent 24 dollars for the bulbs and it was done.
Thanks for all your videos man.
Thanks Chris! I just replaced the dim lights in my 2001 Ford Ranger
instrument cluster - the process was identical to your car. Much easier
than I thought it would be. You sure know how to save your subscribers a bundle of money and have fun doing it!!
Thank you Chris,, this was very helpful. All of that just to replace a light bulb, wow but it has to get done.
You take a lot more care of your Mazda than I do myself
I wish I had discovered your videos when you posted this. I would have fixed my old car's dashboard lights then! =). Awesome video as usual, I've been learning so much from you.
Pretty sure this was one of the first videos that got me hooked on the channel, needed to replace the dead bulbs on my dash cluster. Miss my old Ranger. Got totaled when someone hit me from behind and did too much damage to the body that their insurance said it cost more to repair than it was worth. It's been a while so I'm not 100% sure of the details, but I think I remember that if I wanted to fix it myself I'd have to get a salvage title since it was totaled so I took the money and put it towards my newer F-150.
You're channel is a live saver bro. I have a '00 ranger and one by one my lights have been winking out. The truck has a ton of problems and your videos cover most of them. Keep up the amazing work.
Just bought a 95 Ranger Splash... I'm so glad you made all the videos 👍👏👏
Congrats
It's like watching Sesame street while you count for screws everytime. Easier instructions compare to other guides. Thanks for sharing!
Good lord!!!! I swear I miss my box Chevy...it was so easy to just remove the damn panel and replace the bulb!!
Love your content Chris. 4 yrs later and this was still super helpful. haven't done this yet but I'm thinking I'll make a video response to me doing this my self. Making a non car guy become a car guy one step at a time!
My 14 year-old brother loves to watch you all the time
So thankful my 2000 Civic is so easy to disassemble
***** Must be nice!
Cuz on that piece of shit you just break everything off and its no prob.
Steve stfu you shit eater
imooi2 mobile don’t worry about it
Love your video!!!. Helped me in fixing a couple of problems (dash lights and headlight switch replacement). Great work!!! Thanks!
Holy shit! It's been a number of years since I did any of my own work on a car. And I guess my age is showing but I can remember changing a dash light was as simple as laying down across the front seat, and reaching up behind the dash, unplugging a socket and removing a small bulb, replacing it with a new one and plugging it back in. The whole process took about 5 minutes. Who the hell came up with this better idea? Bulbs still burn out at the same rate. Which I grant isn't very often. But an hours worth of work to change one bulb? Hell yeah, I'm going to change every one of them.
Cars got a lot more complicated in the last few decades. My father said he liked the old AMC cars, they were more straight forward and easy to fix. He's also getting older and finds himself baffled with today's cars.
Lots of electronics, safety equipment, crumple zones, and other parts have been crammed into and under the dashes of newer cars. There was a time when a couple of simple gauges, a switch or two and a couple of levers were the only things inside the cabin besides the seats and steering wheel. Even the seats and wheel have changed in massive ways. Radio, cruise control, Bluetooth, heated seats, memory positions for different drivers! Our cars definitely aren't what they used to be and nobody can tell what the next 50 and 100 years will bring.
It's not enough just to pay thousands for a car. The car company's want you to pay thousand at the dealership for maintenance
Yep that is the reason Chris replaced all the back light bulbs with long lasting ones so it will be many years before he has to do this again. He probably won't even have the vehicle when it needs to be done again.
My 2005 Grand Cherokee is one of those vehicles I suppose this is still really easy on.
All you have to do in the Jeep is remove the plastic bezel, unbolt the cluster (four bolts, I think) and then replace your bulbs.
Chris, Excellent, excellent, excellent video! I love the detail. I hate videos that skip a step or are unclear and you shake you head and wonder, "Exactly what did he do?" I love the fact that you count each set of bolts. Thanks!
No one is better then you at showing how to videos.. You are obviously a great mechanic..im not saying you chris are best mechanic hell you might be not saying that though.. You are with out a doubt the best at youtube mechanic videos.. Thank you so much
Nice timing on this video - I was about to do this tomorrow on my 95 Ranger!
Chris Van Derven Wow, that is perfect timing! Let me know how it goes!
The instructions were great, everything worked perfectly. I was actually swapping an Explorer dash in so I could have a tach in my manual truck. Just swapped the odometer over to the new one so the mileage was correct and it all worked just that easy
Chris Van Derven AWESOME! Thanks for the update! That is great!
What Explorer year did you get the instrument panel from, I'm trying to do the same thing with my 1996 Ford Ranger manual
Cristian del bosque
I think it was from a 2000 or 01 exploder. Full disclosure though - I think Ford changed the pins somewhere around 1996 or 1997 so now my car says "Check Gas Cap" instead of "Door Ajar" when the door is open which doesnt really bother me. It would probably be possible to make a few changes to the plug to fix that. I'm just happy to have a tach
Hey Chris, this was a very informative video like always, you should but can you make a video of putting leds in the dash and changing out the faceplate of the drift sting ????
omg that's a lot of trouble to change a bulb. Good job!
Excellent tutorial, thorough, concise, good steady camera work, clear articulate sound. 10 out of 10 Craftsman Wrench's for you lad!
one of the best You tube videos on repair I have ever seen. Succient, throrough, and comprehensive, thank you.
Hi Chris. My dad has a 2001 Ford F-150, and his mileage is digital. How to you replace the lights on the odometer?
thanks for this. wished that I saw this video a lot sooner. had my dash board lights totally went out. had to drive at night with a flashlight pointing to show my speed. :/
I hope you fixed by self
I hope you fixed by yourself
YES, this is my current strategy. I've been using a Photon Microlight taped to the steering column.
How much would a Ford dealership or an independent shop charge to do this work?
A few hundred!
50quid here
I did some checking. An independent local mechanic will charge you $180. A Ford dealership will charge you $ $325 This is based by Ford mechanics labor manual of 3 hours. Plus, of course, the light bulbs. Which is marked up about $30 a bulb. For the first time as a novice, I replaced the dashboard bulbs in about 48 minutes. The first 15 minutes is watching ChrisFix do his thing.
Chris is genious, his instruction are simple and very clear. Basic soap and water spray is my favorite part :)
@@Reflection_Wave I think he does the best presentation for a DIY home mechanic.
Great audio visual. No disruption of sound, no dropped camera and no pics of the mechanics head getting in the way during filming.
I watched this video a couple times and then started taking out bolts. In less than 30 minutes, I replaced all but one bulb (because I ran out). Thank you so much!
Awesome! That is the goal with my videos! Nice work!
Hey Chris -
I had a 1999 Buick Century - the odometer mileage light or PRND321 lights did not light, had to solder some resisters on the circuit board, while I had every thing apart I did as you did changed each small bulb not just one , a little of a pain but better then going to get it repaired at a garage .
Good Video - Keep Then Coming -
Pete Moss Thanks for sharing Pete! You couldnt just change the bulb? Doing it yourself is way better than getting it done by the stealership!
ChrisFix lol stealer ship
Maybe only the bulbs were screwed
I wanted more colorful dashlight as mine are just white and red arrows. But thats too much.
@@TheOfficialEmu Atleast yours is aslo backlit, my old 1985 VW has a dash that is lit from above, the light above the clock isn't working anymore so I only see my speed at night.
This worked on my 2004 nissan frontier. I couldn't find the lights on my 2012 Nissan frontier
I just got a 2001 Ranger, and love it. I'm soooo glad you owned one too, Chris. All your Ranger vids are a huge help. Thanks for all you do.
Damn, whenever I have an issue, I go to Chris for kind of general info if I don't understand something, and this was exactly my solution for my Ford truck, dash dimming from the bulbs in the instrument cluster. Sure, I'll go to other resources for more specific stuff, but Chris's attention to detail definitely introduces you to the topic and might even be your solution entirely (given that most vehicles are the same with the way the dash works).
Glad the videos are helpful!
all that to change light bulbs ... too much fo me.
+Jim Simmons Yea it's a bit of a pain!
+ChrisFix so happy that my audi as only 1 tiny plastic cover behind the steering wheel and two screws, then the cluster is out!
ChrisFix do each car have emergency brake?
Qusay Aqooly Yes just some have it by the gear selector if it's in the console area. Also some are electric so it's just a button
Christer Svenning I have to take the ENTIRE dash apart on my regal to take the cluster out. Driver and passenger side. It looks like mad max when it's apart.
Why didnt you just unscrew the black plastic piece around the instrument panal save you a lot of time and work than it is a easy fix in 5 minutes only to screws on the top facing to your window and on the bottum site are clips
your vids are excellent
M AR Thanks a lot!
I've come back to this video several different times, and as I'm typing this I'm replacing lights again! Thanks Chris!
Absolutely one of the best DYI videos I’ve ever watched.
Such a nice DIY video! Great job! Thanks!
thank you so much really you save a lot of many thank again bro
No problem!!!
ChrisFix does this work on the mk 1 mx5?
ChrisFix I need help I have a 05 Buick lesabre and when I bought it the car had a problem with the lights twitching and me and my dad cannot figure it out we even put a different cluster in it to see if that was the problem and it still twitches
+Caleb Austin that may sound like a wiring issue
Wow ! In my car you just yank out the meters and change the bulbs 😂😂
You’re vids are awesome and super detailed. Actually pointing out the important crap and not rambling on about crap nobody needs to know about. Just bought my first car for school and your tutorials are great. Thanks so much
gotta love it...this took me 20 mins tops....I replaced all my bulbs just because the air bag bulb went out and I was getting that chime 5 beeps 5 times...lol yea the air bag light will do that!! Great video Chris
Jeez.. on my Mustang, I just had to pull off the trim around the gauges, and unscrew the gauge pod.
same with my gmc half ton lol
"I could be missing that dimming function, Dude, not the lights alignment, what's the original cappuccino, instead?!" 🗨😏🌀💱☕
Now you can show us how to do LED's
Lord Apophis they make direct replacements bud, same thing
just don't get the polarity wrong
I do really like how you demonstrating and explain in detail as you go. Not like other guy who only talks.
Happy five year anniversary on this video- super helpful, keep doing what you do man!
anotha one, anotha one, anotha one. Lol
lol hahaha
you smart, you loyal
lol correct
Can you be my gym partner?! 😂
I do not even have a car I am 12 I just look at he's videos for fun
Steven Muro keep watching the videos because if your only 12 in another few years you may have your own car and you'll be able to fix things on your own which will save you and your parents money it gives you self gratification when you can do something on your own hey you will be able to fix your friends cars and make money GOOD LUCK!!
I’ve found it better to remove the front seat . I’m a big guy I need room 😂
Thank you Chris! I changed the dash bulbs for my 98 Ford Windstar. It's pretty much the same precedure regarding to the panel disassembly. And instead of halogen bulbs, I placed LED lights. It's such a change with LED. Subbed to your channel. Thank you!
I know this is old but it was very helpful. My son bought his first car, a 2002 Taurus SEL, and most of the lights on the dash were not working so you could not see the speedometer at night. Not good. LOL. It was a little bit different that this one but close enough to figure out. Replaces all 5 bulbs and it works great now. Thanks Chris. Going to try the Restore Headlights PERMANENTLY next. Thanks for all your videos!