Dash Clock

[Moneypit]

How do I get the dash clock out of my 1990 so I can change the bulb so it will light up?

 

[93redATX]

You have to pull the entire bezel off that goes around the cluster, EATC, etc. To remove this, you have to drop the knee panel under the steering column. When you do this, you'll find 2 (maybe more, it's been awhile since I've done this) screws that hold the bezel on. There are also 2 screws directly above the instrument cluster. Then remove your headlight switch. Now start to work the bezel loose. It will take some persuasion (sp?), and the wiring harnesses for the clock, antenna, fog, and rear defroster switches are fairly short. After you get the wire harnesses disconnected and have the bezel loose, remove the clock by pressing the clips in on the side. At this point, you can either replace the clock or bulb (not sure if the bulb can be replaced).

 

[Frankiek3]

I'm pretty sure that you can pop it out with a small flat-head or something else to get under it. If you try this quick method, be carful not to scratch ur dash. Once you pop it out, you will need to unclip it and take it out to get to the bulb. I have to replace mine too, but i not going to buy a new one for $8 from ford.

 

[MilTownSHO]

I don't believe the light can be replaced, you need a new clock. My 92's is burned out also

 

[JRA2000TL]

Holy old thread I know, but I pulled my clock out of the 90 this afternoon so I could replace the bulb. I typed in the Ford part # online at all the factory catalogs and it shows "not found". Are these tiny bulbs nowhere to be found?

BTW, you don't have to rip the entire dash apart, just get a strong safety pin, push pin, or something similar and stick it in the tiny hole at the bottom of the clock; then push down to move the spring. Take a flathead screwdriver on the side and gently pop the clock out. No need to tear into the dash. I got a small scratch on my clock when the pin slipped out of the hole but at least it was easier to remove.

The no clock light bugs the crap out of me. Autozone and the other parts houses don't have it. I see it's dealer only but the part # doesn't come up online.

 

[Kens1992mtxSHO]

Does anyone else's dash clock stay on all the time? Not lit up, but always displaying the time.

sorry for the hijack.

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

Does anyone else's dash clock stay on all the time? Not lit up, but always displaying the time.

sorry for the hijack.

normal

 

[Kens1992mtxSHO]

I thought so, but someone had mentioned to me that theirs did not do that, so I started wondering.

 

[JRA2000TL]

I think my clock may always be on as well, just won't light up when the car is on. Anyway back on topic, has anyone been to the dealer to get these bulbs lately and if so, do they still have them? I may run by there tomorrow but I don't want to waste a trip if you can't get them anymore. Going to a junkyard is a waste because 90% of 86-91 Taurus clocks will have burnt out bulbs by now.

 

[Bill Strobel]

There is a bulb in the clocks. You can find the bulbs at any good parts store I found mine at NAPA. If I was home I could give you the aftermarket part # but I got it off of this list in an old post.

 

[JRA2000TL]

I found the bulb online at LEDautomotive.com. It's like 10 bucks, which is alot for a bulb but if it gets the clock working, that's fine.

 

[Storm-Chaser]

Okay, . . . if it's not lit up, how can you tell it's alway displaying the time?

On my 95, anytime the key is moved the the Accessories, Start, or Run positions, the LEDs are "lit". When the lights are turned on, the LEDs are dimmed so the clock is not a distraction during night driving.

Does anyone else's dash clock stay on all the time? Not lit up, but always displaying the time.

sorry for the hijack.

 

[JRA2000TL]

I THINK mine is always working on the SHO whether the car is off or not. The clock never lights up but you can see the clock still with the light out (during the daytime) and it still keeps time. Gen I clocks are different. The 92's also have a unique clock only found in that particular year. 93-95 all have the same clocks.

I know in my TL my clock is always on but doesn't light up unless the lights are turned on.

 

[SolidState]

The bulb is actually the same as the ones for a SOFT button EATC.

 

[Kens1992mtxSHO]

In that case I still have a soft button EATC that I need to swap out. If I do it this tomorrow... which I may very well do, I'll pull a bulb or two and give them to you.

 

[turbo79]

Does anyone else's dash clock stay on all the time? Not lit up, but always displaying the time.

sorry for the hijack.

Mine does ('92). Back light comes on with the ignition.

My '93 SLO uses green LEDs that only light up when the ignition is on.

 

[JRA2000TL]

Well, I got my clock bulb in the mail yesterday. It's the right type but it's too small. That was 10 bucks down the toilet. Anyway, I'm off to the junkyard today to go pull about 5 from any Gen I Taurus I can find. I know for those clocks any 86-91 bulb will work, so hopefully I'll find one that does. If not, do any of you guys have extras or have a source to get one. I can throw a few bucks your way via paypal. My burnt out clock just annoys me.

The dealer did not have the bulb nor did a specialty electronics/radio store.

 

[Kens1992mtxSHO]

I swapped my soft button EATC this week. If the bulb is the same I'll give one to you. Let me know because I'm not sure if it's the same bulb.

 

[JRA2000TL]

Thanks Ken. If the junkyard bulbs don't work, I'll just take a picture of the bulb I need, post it, and give the approximate measurements. The one I bought is the exact type but even smaller. I didn't know you could get those smaller.

 

[Kens1992mtxSHO]

The bulb is actually the same as the ones for a SOFT button EATC.

If this happens to be the case just keep me posted. I'm pulling the bulbs out now and scrapping the unit itself.