Gear shift light is not working

DEB630

MEMBER
1999 FORD ESCORT
167,000 MILES

I have no light under my automatic gear shift.I bought this car a few months ago, and have had no major problems. I am just learning to drive, and had not driven at night, so I did not notice this issue until a few days ago when I drove at night for the first time. How do I fix this? Is it a fuse or a bulb? I have the Chilton's manual for my car, and can't seem to find this in it.I'd really rather fix it myself, with the help of my son, than take it to my mechanic.

4 Replies

CADIEMAN

MECHANIC
3,544 POSTS

The bulb is in the Speedo head. You will need to remove the dash panel and the head assembly. After it is loose you can sneak the bulb out without removing the whole head assembly. Just twist it and pull it out. Pull the bulb out of the socket. It is a 191 bulb install it then reassemble everything.

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Sunday, June 9th, 2013 AT 6:21 AM

DEB630

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Gear shift is mounted on floor, not steering column.

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Tuesday, June 11th, 2013 AT 12:07 PM

CADIEMAN

MECHANIC
3,544 POSTS

Remove the console glove box liner then remove the front ashtray then you unscrew the front and unscrew the rear. Lift it up a little bit just replace the bulb. You don't need to take to handle off.

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Wednesday, June 12th, 2013 AT 3:03 AM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

This is relatively easy to repair. You need to remove the bezel from around the shifter and then unscrew the shifter and and the bulb is on the underside of it. You will simply twist it out and replace it.

I included the process to remove the bezel. There are not specific instructions on how to remove the bulb but as I said, once you remove the bezel it will be obvious. I have replaced many of these and they are as easy as I am saying.

Please reach out with questions and I will be happy to assist. Thanks

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