In your 1997 Ford Explorer, the brown 7.5A fuse in slot No. 3 of the interior fuse panel provides power to the instrument cluster lamps. Check that fuse first if the lamps in the dash don't work. Also, put the headlamp switch in the "Park" position and turn the dimmer switch to the full bright position in case the dimmer was inadvertently set to turn off the lamps. If some of the lamps work, but not all, you may have blown bulbs in the instrument cluster. Getting to the instrument cluster to replace the dash bulbs on your Explorer isn't quite the headache it is on some vehicles.
Make a note of which bulbs need to be replaced. Turn the ignition switch off and remove the key. Remove the windshield wiper switch knob from the center instrument panel. Remove the two screws for the center instrument panel and remove the panel.
Remove the two screws for the parking brake release handle and remove the handle. Remove the two screws for the hood latch release handle and remove the handle. Remove the two screws for the steering column cover and remove the cover.
Remove the six screws for the steering column reinforcement panel and remove the panel. Remove the bolt holding the transmission range indicator bracket to the steering column, then disconnect the cable.
Remove the five screws from the instrument cluster finish panel -- three across the top and one on each lower corner -- and remove the panel. Remove the screws for the transmission range indicator and remove the indicator.
Remove the four screws in the instrument panel cluster. Pull the instrument cluster toward you, then reach around behind it and disconnect the three electrical connectors.
Turn the bulb socket one-quarter turn and then remove it from the back of the instrument cluster. Pull the bulb out of the socket. Insert the new bulb into the socket, insert the socket into the instrument panel and then turn it one-quarter turn to lock it in place. Replace all bulbs as needed.
Position the instrument cluster near the dashboard and reconnect the three connectors on the back. Set the cluster in place and install the four instrument cluster screws. Tighten the screws to 18 to 26 inch-pounds. Install the transmission range sensor and its two screws. Position the instrument cluster finish panel. Install the five panel screws and tighten them to 18 to 26 inch-pounds.
Connect the transmission range sensor cable and install the bolt in its bracket. Position the reinforcement panel and install the six panel screws. Tighten the screws to 89 to 124 inch-pounds. Install the steering column cover and tighten the cover screws to 18 to 26 inch-pounds. Install the hood latch release handle and the parking brake release handle -- each with two screws. Tighten the handle screws to 25 to 33 inch-pounds.
Position the center instrument panel and install two screws. Tighten the screws to 18 to 26 inch-pounds. Push the windshield wiper switch knob back onto its post.
