Ford Five Hundred Mercury Montego Instrument Cluster Removal

In this video I show you just how simple they made cluster removal on this car.
Ford Bulb part number- 5F9Z-13B765-AA

[@14705cd]

Great video! Good to know where all the "hidden" clips are before dis-assembly. I now have no hesitations about replacing the burned out bulb on my speedometer.

[@evadjg]

Bravo! Dead on. Followed step by step. Took me longer to get the right bulbs #74, then to disassemble and reassemble. THANK YOU. Now a subscriber!

[@jimmellenberger8505]

I replaced the original bulbs in my '08 Taurus with T-5 LEDs, they are actually brighter than the originals. I used this video to pull the cluster, replaced the old bulbs with the LEDs, and reinstalled it. A 10-pack of LEDs cost me less than 4 #74 bulbs, and allowed me to replace all the guage lights and the shift selector light. It did take a little more time re-testing them, because LEDs have a polarity, and you can install them backwards, where they won't work. The big benefit I have is that the turn signals are much brighter, and harder to miss as you cruise down the road. 😉😂 Can't miss the guages now, either.

[@keithbenson9968]

Yhanks for the bulb number...that helps too!

[@RobertDickens2002]

Do you know how long I've been looking for this information no video list it

[@clayriley161]

Great video! I do have a question, when you take the car to the dealer to have it programed, what exactly do they program? Can they put the old mileage on the new cluster?

[@jimmellenberger8505]

Great video! Saved me time and let me tackle the bad bulbs in my dash cluster. Everything went well, it's nice to see the guages in my '08 Taurus again!

[@kenba3636]

He said that you have to reprogram it?

[@jimmellenberger8505]

​@@kenba3636a replacement guage cluster would have to be re-programmed. If you're using your original cluster, it doesn't need to be.

[@jeanbear4965]

Thank you so much for this video. I am a female and did it myself on a 20076 Ford 500. Took me awhile to get it out since I was looking for tools. Took me less than 5 minutes to put it back together. Time will tell if the dropped gauges will work now. Post an update later to let you know. Next, the AC!

[@jeanbear4965]

Unfortunately, this did not fix my problem. I will now buy a new Cluster for it and hope it works. Will update later

[@choloengringolandia]

Where did you buy the cluster? I need a new one, I am thinking of buying a used one because the new ones are like $500.

[@jeanbear4965]

Choloengringolandia: bought it on Ebay. Unfortunately, it still did the same thing. So far I have had it soldered, bought a use one, had it rebuilt, and have had all my negative wires cleaned and filed. None worked. Now I have had 3 mechanics tell me it's probably the alternator because it doesn't do it until it's all warmed up and been on a long trip with stop and going. I need to buy a new one and not a used one because it would just do the same thing. My next thing will be a new alternator. And if that doesn't work, I''m done with it. OH yes..also bought a new battery, which I don't think I really needed.

[@jeanbear4965]

Sorry I didn't post this sooner. I did buy a new Alternator and had my mechanic install it. I have not had the electrical problem since, it worked for me. Cost of new Alternator on amazon $135.00 cost to install $50.00 total to repair $185.00, less than the $1200.00 the dealership wanted to fix it. Of course I can now take out and install a cluster in less than 10 minutes myself.!! lol

[@kadiusd]

I've got an 06 Five Hundred, and the compressor went bad, but before that the dash lights would flicker, then eventually it will zero out and shut off the dash for a moment, then come back on. Put a used compressor on it that spun freely, but wouldn't engage to beable to drive again. Girlfriend never mentioned that the dash kept flickering. Now, I bought a new compressor, and got the ac back up, and the flickering dash is back. Any suggestions?

[@viplegaleducation1292]

mitchel1 says that you must calibrate cluster. Do I have to calibrate just for a bulb replacement and not an actual change of cluster?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

You only need to program the cluster if it is replaced.

[@paulsemeraro]

Really appreciate this video. Thank you!!!

[@TeaParty1776]

My 500 has black, virtually impossible to see guages. What can I do to get white gauges that costs little?

[@craiggetz6413]

Nice video. I have a 2005 Ford Freestyle and noticed one light out in the instrument cluster. The dashboard on the vehicle in this video looks very similar to ours. Can you tell me if the process is the same on the 2005 Freestyle. I really don't want to take to the dealership to replace the bulbs if I can do it myself.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

+Craig Getz Freestyle, five hundred and Mercury montego all come out the same way.

[@ibuyhouses7427]

Do you only need to take to dealer for reprogramming if you are swapping the old cluster for a new one, or does simply unplugging it to change out a bulb require reprogramming also? Great video by the way!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

iBuyHouses You only need reprogramming when installing a different cluster.

[@droidaimone]

Hello, I have an o4 freestar se, can the intrument panel be removed ie taken out of the van without causing issues? Can I replace like the 500 in this video and have dealer reprogram afterwards? Found used cluster at pik n pull but dont want to buy if it would be useless. Thx in advance

[@theone3210the]

When you took off the cluster is it feasible to get or replace the bulbs without taking out the harness saving money do not go to the dealer to get re-programmed

[@DaiLenMatHo]

I just bought a use 05 Ford 500, one bulb (coolant temp. gauge) went out. I plan to take the cluster out and replace one bulb. My thinking is that if you dont remove the cables to the cluster then no need for re-program!

[@jimmellenberger8505]

@@DaiLenMatHo they don't need to be reprogrammed unless you change the cluster itself. Your original will work fine once reinstalled. Only needs programming if you use a different cluster.

[@iamautumn1452]

Does this keep your car from starting

[@choloengringolandia]

A mechanic on the side did a tune up. When he connected the battery back, all the lights on the cluster were off. He says I need to replace it after he did some tests. Where could I buy one? Is a use one ok?

[@andrewdbach1]

Do you any insight on actually repairing the cluster? Assuming the cluster had bad solder joints like most other Ford's? Thanks for all your help and information! I utilize information and tips from you on a daily basis to better serve my customers and help coworkers and friends. Being a master of all Manufacturers is near impossible but made easier with guys like you! Help us aftermarket guys out tremendously!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

No we just send them out.

[@andrewdbach1]

FordTechMakuloco Well Poo, was hoping you did it yourself. How much are the cluster's through Ford? I bet its obvious to someone with a good eye once they split it open. Wonder if its accessible through backside or if needles and back display have to come off.

[@andrewdbach1]

FordTechMakuloco Fixed, took no time at all and no customer has car back and continue to work and pay on the loan hooray. You shoud really consider soldering this if it is a friend or personal vehicle. Better fix IMO than get same cluster with same weak points. Not to mention way cheaper.

[@RC-Heli835]

There are some youtube video's of instrument cluster repairs. Most of them test the ground and power feed coming into the plug to make sure that they are not an issue. Next they look for damaged traces or cracked solder joints and repair them and give it a go. One guy used some conductive paint to repair a couple of bad traces and of course he simply soldered the bad joints back.

[@jjamarrrobbins3304]

I got a question Can a Mercury Montego front wheel drive transmission fit in a 2006 ford five hundred

[@jasonjulian1]

Yes... They are the same car. Some things are different between cvt and 6sp trans and you may need to also swap some wiring, but the transmission will physically fit.

[@Fairliner]

Hello I have a 2008 Taurus AWD SEL with 121,889 miles. I love my car and it has been pretty trouble free for the 6 years I have owned it. However to day I drove my car and realized that the speedometer and tachometer are not functioning correctly. When the engine is turned off the speedo reads about 20 MPH BELOW zero and the tach reads 600 RPM. When I am driving on the freeway the speedo reads 40 MPH and I am really going about 65 MPH according to my GPS device. I realized this when I was driving very fast at what I thought was 60 MPH when it turns out I was really going over 85 MPH! I am hoping to tap into your expertise to see if you all may know what is wrong with my car and how I can go about fixing it. This literally happened and before that this issue was not showing itself to me. I am pretty mechanically inclined so I am hoping all I need to do is remove the instrument cluster and make some sort of adjustment. I tried disconnecting and re-connecting the battery and this did nothing. Thanks in advance for your help

[@patriciamille1216]

Thank you so much, you made it very easy to understand

[@supa-dave]

So glad I found this video! We just bought an '08 Taurus Limited for my Mother-in-law yesterday & realized that it has some dash lights out for the speedo & tach after it got dark last night. I'd like to replace them today, but the dealer is closed today (Sunday). Are the dash lights dealer only or can I purchase them elsewhere? Thanks!

[@jimmellenberger8505]

I know I'm 5 years past the issue, but maybe someone else can be helped by my answer. I purchased my bulbs from Amazon, and used T-5 LEDs instead of the originals. You gotta check them after install to make sure the polarity is correct, if reversed, they just don't work. The incandescent bulbs are available there, too. I replaced all of them, I don't want to have to take it apart again anytime soon! The turn signals are a lot harder to forget, now, the LEDs will get your attention!

[@97warlock]

wait .......a ford 500 is the same car as a Mercury mentego?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

yes

[@JD-sr3ie]

what size bulb T3 0r T5 and why would you need to replace the socket?

[@Wyt3boiViSion]

Sorry thought I typed driverside but it never used to click when I got the car until I unhooked the battery to clean the battery corrision off it did a hard reset I checked the fuses they all are good didn't know if it was normal when I did research other people seem to have the same problem on the same car then it gave the abs code u0121 then the check engine check transmission light on for 2days after two weeks the hard rest of the pcm then I notice the click of the rear defroster ever time I pushed the button then the check engine check transmission light came on didn't know if I shorted out something or a relay then yesterday the check engine check transmission light went away I might be mistaken but the odemaiter has a delay when I start the car it turns on after the warning lights go off I did research on this car and there is a couple recalls and a lot of tsb"s for the electrical and brakes I am thankful for all the knowledge you provide just tryna make sure I can makes this a reliable car

[@Dynasonic51]

Before I start removing the cluster in my 500 should I first remove the positive cable end on my battery? When I owned a 2009 Focus if I did anything close to the dash it was highly suggested to disconnect the battery cable? I am planning to replace the cluster bulbs for the tach, speedo, temp and gas gauges. I don't want to have my air bag go off in my face. Thanks!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

+Dynasonic51 No need just keep the key in the off position

[@Dynasonic51]

Thank you for your reply! This will help.

[@RC-Heli835]

Thanks for sharing man! Have you ever seen a Ford 500 with the reverse lights staying on once the key is on. Also the oil and brake light stay on. All this happened at once.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Only when the cluster is bad.

[@RC-Heli835]

Thats an expensive cluster!

[@silvastreakracing4594]

Blade I have the identical issues exactly as you described. Back up lights will stay on or randomly flash on and off as well the oil light and brake light will randomly stay on. It all happened at once. I also notice at night sometimes the dash cluster will stay lit all by itself once the key is off or out when engine is off. Then randomly will go out. I believe from all my reviewing it is a soldier joint in the cluster??? I’d love to know how or if you fixed yours as well as what soldier joint it is and I’d do it myself. Thanks for any info. Much appreciated.

[@theone3210the]

Question If I don't disconnect the top harness and turn the cluster around to replace the bulbs would I not have to go to the deal to reprogram

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Correct

[@sterlingwitherspoon5709]

Why did you change this cluster??

[@bradnoyes7955]

Great channel, I was hoping you could give me some insight into a car I'm looking at. I'm looking at buying (if priced appropriately) a 2006 Ford 500 Ltd with CVT and AWD. While on the test drive, the speedometer dropped to 0, the Traction Control, ABS, Brake and I think the SRS light suddenly came on with the message "Check Brake System". The Car seemed to continue to drive fine. The guy at the service counter said it sounds like it just needs a cluster. Does this sound like it just needs the Instrument Cluster replaced? If I replace it myself can I get a salvage unit and have it reprogrammed at the dealer? How much would it cost to have the dealer reprogram it? I also pulled codes: TCM DTC U0415-60, 4X4M DTC P1889-20, ABS DTC C1165-20, ABS DTC C1222-20, RCM DTC B1318-A0, RCM DTC U2023-A0,IC DTC B1318-20,IC DTC U2023-20 Do you think these codes are related? Thanks

[@FordTechMakuloco]

+Brad Noyes On a 06 yes a new cluster for sure before anything else.

[@bradnoyes7955]

+FordTechMakuloco OK, thanks. The dealer selling it told me it needs a wheel bearing, they are going to put one in it and give me a call. (Insert eye rolling here) we will see how it goes from here.

[@neilsubel6469]

'05 Five hundred owner here. For over 2 YEARS I have been having issues of exactly what you described happened to you on your test drive. I have taken it to the dealer to have them fix it three times, and never did they solve my problem. Today I FINALLY discovered what the culprit was. Yes, it was the cluster, but I did not have to replace the cluster, nor did I have to solder anything. I followed FordTechMakuloco's video and took the cluster out only to discover that there was water damage to the entire back of the silicon chip board. What was happening was every time it would rain or get any kind of humidity in the car, water would condense between the chip board and the plastic sheathing that they have which is supposed to protect it. When the condensation would evaporate, it would leave behind minerals and dirt dried to the chip board. All I did was clean it off with some isopropyl alcohol using cotton swabs, hooked it back up, and now it works like magic. So if your five hundred ever does that again in the future, check the back of the cluster panel chip board before you just let them replace it.

[@mike16179]

I changed the bulbs on my 2007 freestyle now when i run car and park the illumination lights wont turn off

[@JAYEDHHP]

Did you ever fix this issue?

[@djh301]

After replacing the cluster: 1. Do you have to have it programmed by the dealer and 2. Will the car know the mileage (I'm hoping it doesn't mess the mileage up with a new cluster)

[@FordTechMakuloco]

djh301 Mileage leaves with the old cluster and you will need to program the cluster afterwards.

[@djh301]

FordTechMakuloco Is this legal to do? I don't want to get in trouble. Is it legal as long as I disclose it when I sell the car?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

I believe there is a form you can fill out for odometer changes but laws vary by state dmv is best for that question.

[@djh301]

FordTechMakuloco Thanks. Two more questions: 1. If I hook up a replacement myself, will the car run without it being programed so I can drive it to the dealership? 2. Can I easily put my current lens on a replacement cluster with a cracked lens. I found a used one that is cracked.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Yes you should be able to start the car and drive it to the dealer. There are just tabs on the side of the lens so it snaps onto the cluster. They are a hard plastic and may crack so practice on the old new cracked lens first.

[@Wyt3boiViSion]

My click noise is coming from the the rear defrost button when I push it and it clicks once under the driver side fuse box I feel and hear click I can make a video to show you please help

[@FordTechMakuloco]

If you hit the defrost button it is going to click and turn on a relay. You just said the click was from behind the glove box now it is on the drivers side?

[@tnutty9531]

I would like to know if you have any information on how to install a steering wheel with audio controls. The Five Hundred I plan on getting doesn't have them so I want to install it myself.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

It would require allot more than a steering wheel with the controls you will need a new clock spring, custom wiring and new as built data fore the radio.

[@tnutty9531]

OMG that's sound very difficult my friend.

[@tremaynesmith77]

Hi Can i do this on a 2008 mercury sable

[@appraisal951]

how did you remove the illumination bulbs? and do you recall their size?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

+Michael Thompson I am pretty sure on these you must replace the bulb and socket together

[@untraditionalministries4588]

FordTechMakuloco do you know if the 500 doors are interchangeable with the montego, mercury, or taurus

[@jimmellenberger8505]

@@FordTechMakuloco the bulbs do come out of the sockets, I used my original sockets to install the LEDs I put in.

[@jimmellenberger8505]

@@untraditionalministries4588 my Taurus had its door replaced by one from a 500, with the original interior panel replacing the one from that door, so everything matches. The guy that did it didn't replace the wiring, though, so my mirror works, but the heat, puddle light, and memory seat buttons don't work. I'm gonna go see if he has the old door on his pile, so I can get the original door handle with its solo key slot, and the wiring to make stuff work again.

[@DANNYTECNIC]

P0266 fix cluster?

[@freestylecharlie5831]

So the bulb # on your description works for both sides of the speedomiters? And if I want to replace my sencor (rear) I have to get it programmed by a dealer I have a 07 fivehundred limited and it's always on r and when I'm in reverse it beeps then it turns to r. Please help and the right sides on both of my speedomiters are black I used to have to hit them to turn on now they are just off

[@FordTechMakuloco]

freestyle charlie Yes all the illumination bulbs are the same, if you replace the rear park aid sensors you will not need to clear codes or program anything.

[@freestylecharlie5831]

Thank you bro that is my mission for today hopefully all goes well sucks not being able to use parking aid when it's there. Another question my motor mount that is placed is getting bad this will be the 2nd time replacing withing 2 years any advice on a easy way to remove and replace I do know it is common for these vehicles to have wear and tear on top motor mounts it looks like a hockey puck

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Just support the engine by the oil pan with a jack and block of wood and it comes right out then.

[@freestylecharlie5831]

That's for the upper mount ?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

yes

[@Wyt3boiViSion]

hey i really need help with my 2005 ford 500 limited i bought the car used and when i did i felt they might was not telling me something at the ford dealership but i had the car about 6 months they told me nothing wrong with my friend put his machine on and no codes came up at all i took to ford for rotate tires and muti point inspection and oil change they told me nothing was wrong with the car while i was waiting i over herd a mech came in and said thats the car i worked on the abs a while go came home with the car and notice there was some corrosion on battery so i unplugged the battery and cleaned it up and took off both positive and negatives feeds off the battery then put it back on i later google and also notice when you take feeds off the battery it resets the pcm bout a couple weeks bout 170 miles after reset i pushed the defrost on and herd clicking in glove box then took out fuses and noticed fuses to be okay and then turn the car on position and it still clicked and then the check engine and transmission light on i took it to auto zone for free check engine light check and the only code that came up was u0121 for no comm with the and mod and no other codes check engine light is still on dealership said they would diagnostic for 90 bucks but i still have to get the brakes fixed worried bout if the dealership screwed me over on this car or something bad going to happen please help

[@FordTechMakuloco]

The clicking is then recirc door- Ford Taurus & Five Hundred Clicking Noise In Dash Repair

[@Wyt3boiViSion]

hi my 2005 ford 500 limited headlight switch back light goes out and when i turn it it sometimes come back on please help and how do you take it off

[@FordTechMakuloco]

I believe those are serviced as an assembly and they just pry out of the dash no screws.

[@Wyt3boiViSion]

I read a forum saying u have to change the light bulb

[@tedlahm5740]

What did we repair?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

We replaced the cluster, it is a very common failure.

[@edlopez5k]

Thanks!

[@patriciamille1216]

thanks hope this helps me

[@JAYEDHHP]

I changed out my bulbs and now the cluster lights stay on without keys in ignition..

[@DaiLenMatHo]

What model and year? I have 05 Ford 500 and one background light at the temperature dial went dead. Plan to take the cluster out and replace..but He said 2005 need a programming, so I think this is low priority for me!

[@JAYEDHHP]

@@DaiLenMatHo turns out that my cluster was just bad. I tried the solder joint trick and it still didn't help. I went to a pick a apart and traded out for one with similar miles. It works great and I changed all the bulbs out. My window switch wouldn't allow auto upor down.....changed it out...it works...from now on....pull a part will be my first defense

[@JAYEDHHP]

@@DaiLenMatHo 2007 Five Hundred

[@DaiLenMatHo]

@@JAYEDHHP According to this video, seem the clusters of 05 and 06 need programming. I am not an expert but I guess for these cars Ford made a link between VIN/transponder code from the ignition switch to the cluster, thus you can not replace the cluster w/o going to dealer. Then Ford realised that was a hassle and removed this feature from 2007 Ford.

[@JAYEDHHP]

@@DaiLenMatHo i am 95% that only 08 Taurus needs programming, you can put parts from a freestyle on this car...lol....or that mercury model

[@THEPrivatePita]

Seems like a lot of work to replace one light. I've already memorized the positions of the fuel gauge and it tells me how many miles I have left. I think I'll wait till one or more lights go out. Thanks for the video though. Don't want to take it to the dealership and pay tons of money.

[@jimmellenberger8505]

I replaced all of mine pre-emptively after two went out. The shift selector uses the same bulb, it was dead too.

[@wigglytuffgaming]

Ty