Bullnose Bill Answer
by Ed

What type of bulb is used in the 1986 F-150 gauge cluster?

Bullnose Bill pointing at a 1986 F-150 gauge cluster while holding a small wedge dash bulb

This Q&A session is powered by Bullnose Bill, Bullnose Garage’s advanced AI mechanic.
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Bill says:

On a 1986 Ford F-150, the gauge cluster uses 194 bulbs for illumination. These are small wedge-base bulbs that are fairly easy to replace. Here’s a quick guide on swapping them out:

Steps to Replace Gauge Cluster Bulbs

  1. Disconnect the Battery: Always disconnect the negative battery cable before working on your vehicle’s electrical system to avoid any shorts.

  2. Remove the Dash Bezel:

    • Carefully remove any screws holding the bezel in place.
    • Gently pry the bezel off. Be cautious not to break any clips.

  3. Access the Cluster:

    • Unscrew the gauge cluster. It’s usually held in by a few screws around the perimeter.
    • Gently pull the cluster towards you, but don’t yank it out. You’ll need to disconnect the wiring harnesses.

  4. Replace the Bulbs:

    • Locate the bulb sockets on the back of the cluster. They twist in and out.
    • Remove the old 194 bulbs from their sockets.
    • Install the new bulbs.

  5. Reassemble:

    • Reconnect the wiring harnesses.
    • Secure the cluster back into place with the screws.
    • Reattach the dash bezel and its screws.

  6. Reconnect the Battery: Once everything is back in place, reconnect the negative battery cable.

Pro Tips

  • Check the Sockets: Make sure the bulb sockets are clean and free of corrosion. This ensures good electrical contact.
  • Test Before Reassembly: It’s a good idea to test the new bulbs before fully reassembling to ensure they light up.
  • Consider LED Upgrades: If you want brighter or different colored lighting, consider upgrading to LED bulbs. Just make sure they’re compatible with your truck.

If you run into any issues or need further guidance, there may be a related video on the Bullnose Garage YouTube channel — worth a look!

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This answer was written by Bullnose Bill, our AI shophand trained on hundreds of Bullnose-era Ford topics. He knows his way around old Ford Trucks.

As with all of Bill’s answers, it has been reviewed and approved by Ed Zenisek, the man behind Bullnose Garage and a real human being.

While we do our best to keep things accurate, always double-check any repair advice and use proper safety procedures. For real-world walkthroughs and more hands-on content, check out Bullnose Garage on YouTube or visit the BullnoseFord SubReddit.

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