Skip to main content
Topic: Digital Speedometer Light is out! (Read 7671 times) previous topic - next topic

Digital Speedometer Light is out!

Hey guys, the light behind my digital speedometer burned out.  Can anyone tell me if this is a bulb I can just go pick up at AZ or AAP?  Part number? Any info if possible.  I know nothing about the electronics.

My panel light (door light) in between the two overhead map lights is also burned out, any info I can get to help me replace this bulb would be much appreciated! Thanks!

X
'88 Thunderbird LX
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Engine:  FR B303 cam, GT40P heads w/ Trickflow valve springs, Explorer upper/lower intake, SR cold air intake w/ MAF
Exhaust:  shorty headers, BBK O-R X-pipe, glasspacks w/ turn downs
Misc:  8.8 rear, Saleen SC replicas 17x8/17x10, Mach 1 front springs/SN95 rear springs
&
'74 F100 Custom 351W

Digital Speedometer Light is out!

Reply #1
I don't know the number right off, but it's a basic bulb.  The number is in the owner's manual if you have one.  The whole cluster has to be partially removed to get to the bulb.  There are several threads with tips about this.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

Digital Speedometer Light is out!

Reply #2
not sure of the actual #, but 194's work, it takes 2 and they're at the top, behind the odometer.
Current: 1986 Thunderbird, 105k 3.8/C5, 2 tone  Midnight Wine/Medium Taupe, wing windows, wire wheel covers.


Former: 1985 Cougar GS 115k Oxford White/Regatta Blue, 5.0, full console, 14" 8 hole aluminum T-Bird rims, Edelbrock valve covers.

Digital Speedometer Light is out!

Reply #3
X2. I put in a 194 equivilent, and now speedo is super bright

i actually had to drop my steering colum to get the cluster out, so be prepared for an hour or so
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Digital Speedometer Light is out!

Reply #4
I agree the 194 bulb will work...The last time I had a cluster out I changed all the bulbs while I had it out. Thought it might save me doing it again later. There are ALOT of bulbs  in the entire cluster.
87 Tbird LX w/Factory floor shifter:D   3G upgrade. Tinted Windows...85 Mustang GT steering wheel(non-cruise) 17'' Saleen SC style wheels,Front/Rear TC sway bars/poly bushings & Mustang GT steering rack...'05 Mustang V6 springs...93 Cobra MC & booster, MM adjustable C/C plates,  Work  In  Progress.......  ( On The Shelf---HO computer, 19lb injectors, HO cam, BBK headers, Explorer Intake, Cold Air Intake ,Phantom Gauges, Stinger stainless exhaust pipes )
 S O L D

Digital Speedometer Light is out!

Reply #5
Hey! I think i just had the same problem. The numbers in the speedo shows, but are too dim? Well, that was the problem with mine. I thought it was a bulb, but no. What i did was taking out the whole dash, disconnecting all the electric cabels and put it together again and then it worked as new! I dont think you get normal bulbs to just the speedo, so probably a bad connection somewhere.. maybe? i dont know much about this stuff and had a lot of help.

Digital Speedometer Light is out!

Reply #6
http://www.coolcats.net/help/dash.html

I had this happen after I installed a radio and I never did figure out the cause but I'm not afraid of wiring (but it's afraid of me) and after a bit of testing I just supplied my own power to the speedo light.  I take my cluster out somewhat often (don't ask) and I don't drop the column.  Usually some maneuvering and tilting the wheel is all it takes.
1986 Mercury Cougar - 2.3T/T5 swap, TC brakes and suspension and rearend, 3" exhaust, 255 lph fuel pump, Stinger BOV, Gillis MBC @ 18 psi
2003 Chevy Suburban Z71 - Daily driver
2015 Chevy Volt - Wife's daily driver

Digital Speedometer Light is out!

Reply #7
This mystifies me. my guage cluster had a bolt mounting point already broken from someone trying to force it out. i didn't remeber dropping the colum on any of my other cars, but i tried for 10 minutes or so till i gave in and dropped the colum.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Digital Speedometer Light is out!

Reply #8
I didn't want to start a new thread for the same problem. I was adjusting my TPS with the ignition on and came back to the drivers seat to see the speedo light out only and there was a slight burning smell while driving it before this occurred.

Are #194 bulbs really an exact fit for the digital speedometer light?

Thanks.
1986 Thunderbird 5.0
-FRPP Wires and upgraded ignition parts.
-H.O. Upper Plenum / EGR Spacer / TB

Digital Speedometer Light is out!

Reply #9
There should be 2 #2033 tiny halogen bulbs and 6 #194 standard bulbs in the standard cluster according to user's guide or instrument ilumination. This means, those #2033 have to be inside the speedometer. They have orange color coded socket.
User guide also says "Replace with Ford Part Number D2OB-18C622-AB or equivalent, if available (Bulb is an integral part of assembly)"
If they are still too bright, you can use #161 or #37 light bulb.

Digital Speedometer Light is out!

Reply #10
Before you put a bunch of time into the cluster, be sure to check for a melted ignition switch connector.  I had this with my full digital a couple years ago, and that's how it turned out.

Digital Speedometer Light is out!

Reply #11
to part b of your question, T37 for the thumbwheel dimmer panel within the lower left of the IP controls.

t37 also shows up in many plugs on the full digital cluster
T194's typical within the whole standard and buttstuffog cluster.
T37 bulb for your radio incase you can no longer see the channel your on

while out i recommend doing the heat sync mod to the high temp resistor on the back of the cluster as it will eventually melt your flex print harness.
(this is in my diy link below). All you need is a piece of soap stone about 2'' long.

=============================
Cool down that big resistor on the back of your buttstuffog instrument cluster.
This also applies to those with digital clusters except the resistor is smaller.
http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?34327-buttstuffog-cluster-*solve-that-heat-problem*-on-the-big-3-long-reisistor&daysprune=100

Digital Speedometer Light is out!

Reply #12
You mean remove that stupid heating nonsense, am I right? :)
That thing is TOTALLY USELESS. I throwed them away from both my birds and everything work fine.

BTW, daytime lighting is mandatory in our country, so you can imagine, how the flexible board feels like while driving in hot summer. I guess, there is a quite big risk of fire because of that.

Digital Speedometer Light is out!

Reply #13
Quote from: jcassity;433269
t37 also shows up in many plugs on the full digital cluster
T194's typical within the whole standard and buttstuffog cluster.
T37 bulb for your radio incase you can no longer see the channel your on

The nice thing about the no-clock radios, is that the display is only on when the radio is on. The ones w/ a clock are on whenever the key is in On or Acc, or the lights are on.
Current: 1986 Thunderbird, 105k 3.8/C5, 2 tone  Midnight Wine/Medium Taupe, wing windows, wire wheel covers.


Former: 1985 Cougar GS 115k Oxford White/Regatta Blue, 5.0, full console, 14" 8 hole aluminum T-Bird rims, Edelbrock valve covers.

Digital Speedometer Light is out!

Reply #14
Quote from: Trinom;433270
BTW, daytime lighting is mandatory in our country, so you can imagine, how the flexible board feels like while driving in hot summer. I guess, there is a quite big risk of fire because of that.

You know there is a way to wire the headlights up so they function as DRL's, and only the headlights will come on, anytime the car is on. That way you will have your running lights without having to use every other light on the car at the same time...

If you want, I could help walk you through the process....
--Steve
[thread=28690]1988 Cougar V6[/thread]
2012 F-150 3.7L
2011 Mustang 3.7L