How to easily fix dash light behind digital PRNDL (odometer), 2001 Ford Escape

[Korb]

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!!

[Bortso]

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!

[mark v]

Looks like a good Sticky to add to the Forum!

[Tux-e-doe]

thanks. my friend could find this to be handy ;D

[ziper1a]

Is it the same on a 2003 ford escape

Originally Posted by Korb

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!!

[digital]

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 !

[02Escape31607]

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

[j_fegley]

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

[01escapekzoo]

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.

[FDXDRIVER]

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!!!