Ford Forums

Go Back   Ford Forums > Ford Trucks, Ford SUVs & Ford Vans > Ford Escape

Ford Escape The Ford Escape has been thoroughly updated, reinforcing the character and appeal that have made it America's perennial best-selling small sport-utility vehicle. The improvements nearly cover the spectrum, and inject a new level of refinement. We'd call the Escape a little truck among small SUVs. Its new styling deliberately invokes Ford's larger, truck-based SUVs.

» Advertisement
Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 09-30-2007, 12:05 PM   #1 (permalink)
Junior Member
 

Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Durango.CO
Posts: 4
Korb will become famous soon enoughKorb will become famous soon enough
Points: 1,360, Level: 14 Points: 1,360, Level: 14 Points: 1,360, Level: 14
Level up: 74% Level up: 74% Level up: 74%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Default How to easily fix dash light behind digital PRNDL (odometer), 2001 Ford Escape

Project: Replace burnt out dashlight behind digital odometer (PRNDL) light. 2001 Ford Escape.

Time: 10 to 30 min.
Tools: Nut Driver 7mm or (small 7mm socket, socket wrench and small extension)
Cost: $1.50 to $4.00 (cost varies due to location - or so I was told, mine was $4.00)
Screws to remove: only 6 on the 2001, all the same headsize, threadsize and length)


1. Remove two 7mm hex screws on display panel cover (top, underneith)

2. Pull the bottom part of display cover straight toward you. There are 2 clips, one on either side of the steering wheel behind the display gauge cover that holds in the bottom half. These will snap free with a little force. Do one side at a time.

3. Remove and set aside. This reveals the four display unit screws.

4. Remove the four 7mm screws on the actual display panel. (fyi: all screws in this project are the same headsize, threadsize, and length - so don't worry about making note of which ones return where)

4. Tilt top of display panel toward you and remove the three top connectors (they come out easily and are in a cable harness so you can't put them back wrong) You will need to squeeze the middle gently, unlocking connector and pull)

5. Pull out display - which includes "glass" covering - this never gets removed! (adjust steering wheel to lowest position if needed)

6. On the rear of the panel you will see several (little grey) knobs. Find the one right behind the odometer and using a pliers, twist counter clockwise 1/4 turn and remove. The little light bulb is attached to this knob and is included as a one-piece replacement for the $1.50 to $4 bucks.

7. Replace bulb assembly by inserting the new bulb and turning clockwise 1/4 turn.

8. Assemble following reverse instruction of above.

* This all sounds a lot more complex than it actually is. These steps each only take a minute or so. The most difficult part for me was pulling out the display assembly cover. Took me a few minutes to figure out where the clips were on either side of the base of the display cover and what pressure was needed to pull them free. It does take a little effort (pulling straight toward you) at the base of the display cover to pull free

All in all this took me about 15 minutes to remove and about 10 minutes to replace, but I had to find socket size, snap locations of cover, etc etc....

Please feel free to cut and paste this article to any other boards with the same question. I hate to see people getting "ripped off" for a simple 4 dollar job anyone can do.

If you do the removal steps BEFORE you actually go get the light bulb at the dealer, there will be less confusion about the part and you wont have them asking you to "bring it in" or telling you it is "too difficult to do yourself". Geesh! This little problem is probably their best money maker! $160 to $190 is absurd for this little task!!

Last edited by Korb; 09-30-2007 at 06:14 PM.. Reason: safety caution added.
Korb is offline   Reply With Quote


2 out of 2 members found this post helpful.
Old 03-11-2008, 11:54 AM   #2 (permalink)
Junior Member
 

Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 12
Bortso will become famous soon enoughBortso will become famous soon enough
Points: 1,016, Level: 12 Points: 1,016, Level: 12 Points: 1,016, Level: 12
Level up: 44% Level up: 44% Level up: 44%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Default

You're awesome man. I just bought a 2001 escape that has this light burnt out and was dreading having to replace it. I looked all over the web to find info on it and here it is. I've taken dashes apart that are absolutely awful, but this seems very simple. Thanks again!
Bortso is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 03-11-2008, 12:02 PM   #3 (permalink)
Super Moderator

 
mark v's Avatar
 

Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Brookfield, Wisconsin
Posts: 8,045
mark v has a reputation beyond reputemark v has a reputation beyond reputemark v has a reputation beyond reputemark v has a reputation beyond reputemark v has a reputation beyond reputemark v has a reputation beyond reputemark v has a reputation beyond reputemark v has a reputation beyond reputemark v has a reputation beyond reputemark v has a reputation beyond reputemark v has a reputation beyond repute
Points: 25,002, Level: 69 Points: 25,002, Level: 69 Points: 25,002, Level: 69
Level up: 15% Level up: 15% Level up: 15%
Activity: 99% Activity: 99% Activity: 99%
Default

Looks like a good Sticky to add to the Forum!
__________________
Mark V

Look for me on the PS3 network, I am usually playing Uncharted 2 "Among Thief's" Multiplayer right now. My PS3 name is delorean6683

"New" Rock Auto Forum Discount

They say if you play a Microsoft CD backwards you hear satanic messages. Thats nothing cause if you play it forwards it installs Windows....

1998 Windstar GL 3.8L
1998 Explorer XLT 4.0L SOHC
2001 Corvette 6 speed 5.7L
mark v is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 09-28-2008, 09:22 AM   #4 (permalink)
Junior Member
 

Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: ShareDXS.com
Posts: 5
Tux-e-doe will become famous soon enoughTux-e-doe will become famous soon enough
Points: 513, Level: 8 Points: 513, Level: 8 Points: 513, Level: 8
Level up: 13% Level up: 13% Level up: 13%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Default

thanks. my friend could find this to be handy ;D
Tux-e-doe is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 09-28-2008, 09:23 AM   #5 (permalink)
Junior Member
 

Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 1
ziper1a will become famous soon enoughziper1a will become famous soon enough
Points: 482, Level: 7 Points: 482, Level: 7 Points: 482, Level: 7
Level up: 82% Level up: 82% Level up: 82%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Default Is it the same on a 2003 Ford Escape

Is it the same on a 2003 ford escape
Quote:
Originally Posted by Korb View Post
Project: Replace burnt out dashlight behind digital odometer (PRNDL) light. 2001 Ford Escape.

Time: 10 to 30 min.
Tools: Nut Driver 7mm or (small 7mm socket, socket wrench and small extension)
Cost: $1.50 to $4.00 (cost varies due to location - or so I was told, mine was $4.00)
Screws to remove: only 6 on the 2001, all the same headsize, threadsize and length)


1. Remove two 7mm hex screws on display panel cover (top, underneith)

2. Pull the bottom part of display cover straight toward you. There are 2 clips, one on either side of the steering wheel behind the display gauge cover that holds in the bottom half. These will snap free with a little force. Do one side at a time.

3. Remove and set aside. This reveals the four display unit screws.

4. Remove the four 7mm screws on the actual display panel. (fyi: all screws in this project are the same headsize, threadsize, and length - so don't worry about making note of which ones return where)

4. Tilt top of display panel toward you and remove the three top connectors (they come out easily and are in a cable harness so you can't put them back wrong) You will need to squeeze the middle gently, unlocking connector and pull)

5. Pull out display - which includes "glass" covering - this never gets removed! (adjust steering wheel to lowest position if needed)

6. On the rear of the panel you will see several (little grey) knobs. Find the one right behind the odometer and using a pliers, twist counter clockwise 1/4 turn and remove. The little light bulb is attached to this knob and is included as a one-piece replacement for the $1.50 to $4 bucks.

7. Replace bulb assembly by inserting the new bulb and turning clockwise 1/4 turn.

8. Assemble following reverse instruction of above.

* This all sounds a lot more complex than it actually is. These steps each only take a minute or so. The most difficult part for me was pulling out the display assembly cover. Took me a few minutes to figure out where the clips were on either side of the base of the display cover and what pressure was needed to pull them free. It does take a little effort (pulling straight toward you) at the base of the display cover to pull free

All in all this took me about 15 minutes to remove and about 10 minutes to replace, but I had to find socket size, snap locations of cover, etc etc....

Please feel free to cut and paste this article to any other boards with the same question. I hate to see people getting "ripped off" for a simple 4 dollar job anyone can do.

If you do the removal steps BEFORE you actually go get the light bulb at the dealer, there will be less confusion about the part and you wont have them asking you to "bring it in" or telling you it is "too difficult to do yourself". Geesh! This little problem is probably their best money maker! $160 to $190 is absurd for this little task!!
ziper1a is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 01-19-2009, 10:50 PM   #6 (permalink)
Junior Member
 

Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 2
digital will become famous soon enoughdigital will become famous soon enough
Points: 727, Level: 10 Points: 727, Level: 10 Points: 727, Level: 10
Level up: 27% Level up: 27% Level up: 27%
Activity: 20% Activity: 20% Activity: 20%
Default

Followed your directions on my 2003 and it worked perfectly - Thanks!

One note though,
You mentioned the one-piece bulbs, I went to 3 parts places and could not find a complete one-piece replacement - I was told to go to the dealer arg! - However I discovered that if you tug on the little bulb you can remove it and easily find and replace the bulb only. I think it was a type 37 if I remember correctly -. I got two bulbs in one package for 4.00
Saved big !
digital is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 02-07-2009, 07:35 AM   #7 (permalink)
Junior Member
 

Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 4
02Escape31607 will become famous soon enough02Escape31607 will become famous soon enough
Points: 238, Level: 4 Points: 238, Level: 4 Points: 238, Level: 4
Level up: 76% Level up: 76% Level up: 76%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Default

I did this is December, and went to my local dealer they sold me the entire bulb set-up for like $5- $10. Not that big a price. I didn't want to pull anything apart, so I just replaced the entire thing.

Thanks for the instructions for how to do it
02Escape31607 is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 02-07-2009, 10:25 AM   #8 (permalink)
Junior Member
 

Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Pottsville Pa
Posts: 7
j_fegley will become famous soon enoughj_fegley will become famous soon enough
Points: 271, Level: 5 Points: 271, Level: 5 Points: 271, Level: 5
Level up: 43% Level up: 43% Level up: 43%
Activity: 20% Activity: 20% Activity: 20%
Send a message via AIM to j_fegley
Default

I purchased a 01 escape in july, once since i've had the vehicle has the PRND21 display light come on. When i hit a big pothole (lots of them here in PA) it flickered on for a second... Thanks for the instruction now i can see if the bulb is loose or out. Thank You
j_fegley is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 03-04-2009, 06:07 PM   #9 (permalink)
Junior Member
 

Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 1
01escapekzoo will become famous soon enough01escapekzoo will become famous soon enough
Points: 167, Level: 3 Points: 167, Level: 3 Points: 167, Level: 3
Level up: 34% Level up: 34% Level up: 34%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Default Fog light display

Have an 01, just wondered, the guys with the 01's, do you have a bulb plugged into the socket that corresponds to the fog light symbol on the dash? I didn't, I put one in, and it didn't work, I was thinking it wasn't meant to on my model, just wondering, thanks.
01escapekzoo is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 05-02-2009, 01:08 PM   #10 (permalink)
Junior Member
 
FDXDRIVER's Avatar
 

Join Date: May 2009
Location: NE Ohio
Posts: 3
FDXDRIVER will become famous soon enoughFDXDRIVER will become famous soon enough
Points: 87, Level: 1 Points: 87, Level: 1 Points: 87, Level: 1
Level up: 74% Level up: 74% Level up: 74%
Activity: 60% Activity: 60% Activity: 60%
Default wow!!! That was Easy

Thanks You saved me some cash!!! How easy was that! Iwas thinking the same thing as one of the previous replies. they sell the bulbs at most of the auto stores I've been in. But i had a bunch laying around used in one of my big trucks!! Thx again!!!

Last edited by FDXDRIVER; 05-02-2009 at 01:12 PM..
FDXDRIVER is offline   Reply With Quote


Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Forum Jump

» Online Users: 62
2 members and 60 guests
Rick_101, TerryB
Most users ever online was 509, 07-28-2009 at 01:07 AM.
» Stats
Members: 67,358
Threads: 41,661
Posts: 163,647
Top Poster: mark v (8,045)
Welcome to our newest member, dongmark796
» Partner Sites
Shopping for new Ford can be a stressful experience especially if you don't have the right information. Our new car research center at CarEverything.com can help relieve this stress and bring the joy back to new car buying!

The Car Blog, or TCB for those who are acronymically inclined, is alive because some of today's top Web designers needed a place to drool and bitch about their motor vehicle obsessions.

Read the auto blog at Automotive.com to get the latest news and opinions, view the newest concept cars, and join discussions with auto experts from around the world.

Read the auto blog at Motor Trend Online for the latest auto industry news, expert opinions, vehicle photos, and more.

View Ford recalls online; don't get caught off guard with a breakdown, learn about the latest official new and used car recalls at autorecalls.us

Join other Envoy Enthusiasts and chat about your GMC Envoy SLE, SLT, Denali and XUV. We are a growing community and would like to here from you.
» Advertisement
Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.1.0


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.1
Copyright ©2000 - 2010, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.2.0