Questions and Answers

Mercury Cougar Dash Lamps Q. Hi there, I just purchased a 1990 Mercury Cougar LS. I have been to a couple of stores trying to buy a repair manual but everyone is out. Just wandering if you could help me out with a little problem? How do I replace the instrument panel bulbs? The bulbs are burned out.

I can't see the gauges. I can see the fuel gauges but the oil, water I can't see. The MPH is very light I think it may be lite up from the fuel bulb.

Thank you so much for your help,
Diane

A. Since you didn't mention if it is a digital or analog instrument cluster, here's directions for both.

Standard Cluster

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Remove two retaining screws from cluster trim panel and remove trim panel.
3. Remove four cluster mounting screws, Fig. 5, then pull bottom of cluster towards steering wheel.
4. Reach behind cluster and disconnect two connectors.
5. On Super Coupe models, disconnect vacuum lines for booster gauge.
6. On all models, swing bottom of cluster to clear top of steering column shroud and remove.
7. Reverse procedure to install.

Electronic Cluster

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Remove head lamp knob, then remove cluster finish panel by removing two screws located on upper inside surface.
3. Carefully pull away finish panel while detaching spring clips surrounding finish panel.
4. Disconnect connector on rear of switch assembly.
5. Disconnect autolamp module, if equipped.
6. Place clean soft cloth over steering column shroud to prevent damage, then remove four cluster retaining screws and pull bottom of cluster towards steering wheel.
7. Place clean soft cloth over lens, to prevent scratching.
8. Reach behind cluster and disconnect two electrical connectors.
9. Swing bottom of cluster out to clear top of cluster from crash pad and remove.
10. Reverse procedure to install.

These instrument clusters take a very special bulb. I highly recommend you get the replacement bulbs from a Ford Dealer.