cluster lights out

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The speedometer and tachometer lights are out in my t-bird. All other lights are working. I checked the fuses they seem to be ok. The dealer says that the entire instrument cluster will most likely need to be replaced and that will cost $900. Any ideas if they are correct or where to check next. Any hel;p is appreciated.

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in Douglasville GA

Apr 22, 2011

6 Replies

Popular Answer

jnhmanoson Apr 24, 2011

I have the same problem and looking for solution. I have not yet visited the dealer but did find others with similar issues on web. I replaced my radio's 6-cd changer and thought that might have been the problem, so I de-installed and re-installed radio assembly to confirm no missing ground wires. No luck. Found this, you might be interested. http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forums/showpost.php?p=359484&postcount=13

DaveJMon Apr 22, 2011

The shop manual for this vehicle suggests replacement of the instrument cluster is necessary if the lighting is not working and there is power at the cluster. There is no listing of available light bulbs for this cluster.

Paulas777on Sep 4, 2017

The lights went out in my 2002 T-Bird's cluster, and when my mechanic took it out to replace the lightbulbs (yes, you can order lightbulbs for this car) it shut the whole car down. Had to take it to a guy that specializes in the rewiring. He got the car to start back but sent a module to Michigan to rewire. I have a friend at the Ford dealer who says to order the cluster is $298 if you can get your mechanic to install it, but this other guy swore it was not the cluster, and after re-wiring I would never experience this problem again. Sure hope I don't.

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TBird2002on Aug 27, 2013

I have the same problem I have called Ford in Detroit. They do not have an answer. It seems crazy to have to replace the entire cluster because of the lights going out. If so, that is a poor design which needs to be put into a recall.

tbirdguy123on Mar 24, 2015

I Had the same problem is common on the TBirds, eastern Electronics out of Elmwood Park NJ fixed mine at a fraction of what the Dealer wanted, then I found out that the Dealers sends all their clusters to them, have a technician take the cluster out if can't doit yourself Eastern Electronics 92 Miller Ave,Elmwood Park, NJ 07407 (800) 221-2138

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Eromallagon Sep 2, 2015

I have same problem your having and the other guy is right there should be a recall on this. If some one can find bulbs you can fix it yourself. i think it will be a little work. iF anyone knows where they can be found please let the rest of us know.

taylirswon Sep 3, 2015

I had this problem last year. Dealers were no help around here (Columbia, SC area). Found a great mechanic. He had to take the cluster out and ship it to NJ just like the previous writer said. After it came back, the whole electronic module had to be re-programmed. It was a lot of work and very expensive, but I love my 2002 'bird and it was worth every penny. I use this shop for all my work now. They are excellent mechanics and they care. Most places just want to sell you something you don't want or need.