The Ford Focus is an economy car that uses a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. Ford dubbed the Focus the "world car" since different components were used in its construction from Ford plants around the globe. It was introduced as a 1998 model in Europe and as a 2000 model in North America. The instrument panel in the Focus is situated directly in front of the driver and is back-lit with several light bulbs. The panel can be easily removed for repair or to replace a burnt out bulb.
Locate the three screws on the upper part of the dashboard trim panel just above the instrument cluster. Remove the screws with a Phillips screwdriver and place them aside.
Grasp the edges of the dashboard trim panel and pull it out slightly. Pull the wiring connector on the back side of the trunk release button on the left-hand side of the trim panel straight off. Pull the rubber seal on the top of the steering column off of the bottom of the trim panel.
Pull the trim panel free of the dashboard and place it aside. Locate the four retaining bolts at each corner of the instrument cluster. Remove the bolts with a 7 mm nut driver.
Grasp the edges of the instrument cluster and pull it slightly away from the dashboard. Pry open the release tab on the black dashboard wiring connector on the back side of the cluster with a small, flat-blade screwdriver. Pull the wiring connector straight off of the back of the cluster.
Pull the instrument cluster free of the dashboard and remove it.
