LED/bulbs fitting guide

[Lambo]

Have done this as a temp for anyone fitting them, will try and get some pictures unless anyone wants to take some while they are fitting them??? Let me know if it reads ok etc, and if there are any suggestions.

 

 

 

 

Fitting coloured bulbs/led’s to a mk6 escort

 

Tools required;

Philips screwdriver,

Cloth,

Flathead screwdriver.

 

Firstly remove the heater controls by pulling on them, they may be stiff the first time but keep trying, usually the middle control is the hardest. Then remove the heater rear window and fog light switch, this is usually done by using a small flat headed screwdriver with a cloth wrapped round it to prevent damaging the dash, then simple prise it out from the bottom. If preferred this bit can be left for later and they can be pushed forward from behind. Next undo the 2 philip’s screws holding the dash in place, these are located above the steering wheel, at each side of the dash display at the top.

 

The dash now need to be prised off, this can either be done using the same technique as removing the switches, or if you have removed the switches you can simply use the hope where they were to pull the dash forward. It is held on by several small retaining clips, which will go pinging everywhere when you pull dash. Try and find as many as you can and be careful not to loose to many. With the dash released you need to disconnect the wiring for the analogue clock and the heater controls, and remove the switches for window and fogs if this hasn’t already been done.

 

To remove the dash it helps if you have a adjustable steering wheel, which you should set to its maximum, and you should be able to manoeuvre the dash out, if you are still struggling then simply disconnect the back of the right hand heater feed and it should come out ok. I found it best to remove it to the right towards the drivers door.

 

Now you need to undo the four screws holding the speedo unit in place, these are located at the top and bottom, and are easy to see and get to. With the screws removed and kept in a safe place you are now able to tilt the whole unit forward. Do this and twist the 2 existing bulbs so that they are released and remove them. You are now able to remove the front of the housing, this is held by plastic tabs, which have to be raised and pulled to release. This is a tricky bit and care should be taken not to damage the plastic at the front. If preferred you could remove the whole unit, this is done by disconnecting the speedo cable from the rear of the clocks and removing the 2 wiring plugs, this will then allow you to remove the front of the unit out of the car. I found the first method easier as it is quite difficult to disconnect the speedo cable.

 

With the front of the unit off you will be able to see a piece of green Perspex, which is what the existing bulbs shine through to shine green. This has to be removed if you want the full effect of the led’s. There are several ways to do this, one is to remove the white piece of plastic that the bulbs clip into and then remove the Perspex, this could be done by using a knife to cut it off then gluing it back on once complete. I used a drill and made small holes along the Perspex and then used a hammer and a screwdriver to break it out, removing all the pieces. Again, whichever method you prefer can be used. Don’t forget to clean any finger prints off of the glass when you refit the unit.

 

With the Perspex removed you can now clip it back to the speedo unit and fit the led’s, these are the same fitment, a push and twist fit. It is a good idea to check that they are working at this point as they are directional and may need to be fitted the other way round. If the bulb/s are not working try the other way round or test using a 9volt square battery. Before fitting the dash back in remove the 2 bulbs on the back of the clock and fit the smaller two bulbs in here. Again connect the wire and test before re-fitting the whole dash unit. You can now reconnect everything back up and check it is all working.