[scashaggy]

Hello all,

I recently purchased a 2008 Escape and so far have been enjoying it. I did however notice something for the first time the other day. When I took the truck out at night, I noticed that there was no backlight for the gear shift. Is this normal? Or is there an out light bulb?

Any help is appreciated.

Shawn

 

[rehctelf]

Not sure about gen3 Escapes but in my 2006 the gear position is indicated at the bottom of the instrument cluster, no need to see it twice really.

 

[Fox9p3400]

bulb's blown

 

[scashaggy]

Thanks, how hard is it to change?

 

[scashaggy]

Any tips on getting to the light bulb?

 

[Manic Mechanic]

From "another Escape site":

If I recall correctly, removing the Instrument Cluster is pretty straightforward. It is somewhat awkward and requires delicacy, flexibility and patience.

I will CAUTION you that you do NOT want to break the Instrument Cluster - It is expensive to replace!

First and foremost, disconnect the battery. Put the parking brake on and turn the ignition key to "on" so that you are able to move the gearshift lever to L to get it out of the way. Also you may want to tilt the steering wheel into the lowest position. This will allow for greater access and ease in getting the instrument cluster out.

Remove the 2 screws that are in the top of the instrument panel cover, they are beneath the top portion of the dash pad when looking at the instrument cluster.

Gently pull the trim cover towards you. NOTE: There are plastic clips, behind the cover that will snap free. It may take a little force to get this removed, be careful not to break the clips.

You should now be able to see the 4 screws that secure the instrument cluster. Remove those 4 screws, and then gently angle the instrument cluster towards you. You should now be able to see the top connectors - you need to squeeze the middle of the connector clips to unlock them and gently pull the connectors from the cluster. Then ever so gently maneuver the instrument cluster out.

On the backside of the instrument cluster you will see what look like little knobs - these are the bulb sockets. Find the correct one behind the odometer and using needle nose pliers, gently twist counter clockwise to remove the bulb socket and replace it with a new one.

Again I will CAUTION you that you do NOT want to use any undue force and break the Instrument Cluster or circuitry board - It is expensive to replace!

Reverse the procedure to reassemble.

Hope this helps.

 

[LX302]

From "another Escape site":

If I recall correctly, removing the Instrument Cluster is pretty straightforward. It is somewhat awkward and requires delicacy, flexibility and patience.

I will CAUTION you that you do NOT want to break the Instrument Cluster - It is expensive to replace!

First and foremost, disconnect the battery. Put the parking brake on and turn the ignition key to "on" so that you are able to move the gearshift lever to L to get it out of the way. Also you may want to tilt the steering wheel into the lowest position. This will allow for greater access and ease in getting the instrument cluster out.

Remove the 2 screws that are in the top of the instrument panel cover, they are beneath the top portion of the dash pad when looking at the instrument cluster.

Gently pull the trim cover towards you. NOTE: There are plastic clips, behind the cover that will snap free. It may take a little force to get this removed, be careful not to break the clips.

You should now be able to see the 4 screws that secure the instrument cluster. Remove those 4 screws, and then gently angle the instrument cluster towards you. You should now be able to see the top connectors - you need to squeeze the middle of the connector clips to unlock them and gently pull the connectors from the cluster. Then ever so gently maneuver the instrument cluster out.

On the backside of the instrument cluster you will see what look like little knobs - these are the bulb sockets. Find the correct one behind the odometer and using needle nose pliers, gently twist counter clockwise to remove the bulb socket and replace it with a new one.

Again I will CAUTION you that you do NOT want to use any undue force and break the Instrument Cluster or circuitry board - It is expensive to replace!

Reverse the procedure to reassemble.

Hope this helps.

Problem is, he wanted the procedure on how to replace the bulb in the center console where the gear shifter is.

 

[RobtRoma]

Here is the procedure to remove the center console:

2008 Center Console removal and installation

I have no idea where the bulb is but this might help...

 

[Manic Mechanic]

D'oh, sorry about that. Wrong year.

 

[scashaggy]

Is there anyone who has removed the center console that have noticed this light?

 

[texasboy77904]

Hello all,

I recently purchased a 2008 Escape and so far have been enjoying it. I did however notice something for the first time the other day. When I took the truck out at night, I noticed that there was no backlight for the gear shift. Is this normal? Or is there an out light bulb?

Any help is appreciated.

Shawn

same issue here on my 08 mariner. did anyone ever resolve this issue? id rather not have to take apart all the console for a bulb but will if necessary.

hopin it was maybe just a fuse but i dont see a designated fuse. any help would be appreciated. thanks

****update****

figured it out and to some pics. pretty easy.

2008 mercury mariner hybrid transmission shift lever back light replacement

1.take out the storage bin

2.I forgot to take a picture here but use a thin tool (flat head screwdriver etc.) and slowy remove the silver rectangualr trim piece that goes around the transmission lever (P,N,D,L)

3.use a flat tip (if necessary) and pry up the two retainer clips and up

4.retainer clips

continued.....

 

[texasboy77904]

5.push forward and towards the front of the vehicle and remove the top assembly. (notice the green wire on the left, that is the backlight)

7.twist and remove the light socket from the plastic under the transmission lever.

8.replace the light.

9.extra lights

now just got backward from hear and youre all done!

 

[drtumolo]

I have the same problem. I bought a 2006 escape and the shift indicator bulb is out. How do I get to it?

 

[Edosm]

What's the bulb number / type for the center shift gear bulb. I can't read the posted image?
Thanks

 

[tang]

What's the bulb number / type for the center shift gear bulb. I can't read the posted image?
Thanks

194/168 style.

[mod]It's actually a #37 or #74 bulb.[/mod]

 

[Edosm]

Thank you !

 

[hworksinc]

What's the bulb number / type for the center shift gear bulb. I can't read the posted image?
Thanks

It's actually a #74 or #37 . They're the same size, but one is a bit brighter and draws more current.

 

[guit1]

I have this problem now too. I've checked the fuses, replaced the bulb and still no light. I checked with a meter and have no voltage at the bulb socket. Anyone have any ideas where to look next?

 

[09XLT4WD]

Just used this guide to replace the gear shift bulb on a 2009 Escape XLT. Followed the guide exactly and it was very easy to replace. I used a #74 blue LED equivalent bulb, but any normal #74 bulb will work. Quick caution on LED bulbs, the fitment for the bulb is very tight, so some LED bulbs may be larger than the standard #74 bulb. My LED bulb fit, but just barely. Other than that, great guide and an easy but helpful fix.

 

[NEEscape]

Found the info very helpful for replacing the shifter light on our new to us Escape. However for me the #74 bulb was to big & wouldn't fit back into the hole. Went and got a #73 which matched the original and worked fine. Thanks again to texasboy :beer: