Gauge Face Installation

We'll show you how to install aftermarket gauges in your 1997 - 2003 F-150. Aftermarket gauges have become quite popular and you can get them in a variety of different designs.

1. Start by unsnapping the plastic piece around the steering column

2. Once that is removed you will see some bolts there (they are 7mm), take out those bolts.

3. Pop the light switch panel out and take the bolts behind there out, and unhook the plug from the switch so you can take the switch completly out.

Here is how you get the switch out for the 97-98 truck:

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable

2. Turn the headlamp switch knob to the headlamp position and pull the knob

3. Insert a thin tool to release the headlamp switch knob and remove

4. Turn the headlamp switch knob 180 degrees and install

5. Turn counterclockwise until the back of the headlamp switch knob is in the off position

6. Turn the headlamp switch knob clockwise fully. (This just means to turn it so the back of the switch is in the on position)

7. Remove the headlamp switch

8. Disconnect both electrical connectors

4. Now if you look above the gauges you will see three more bolts you need to take out.

5. Once you have all these bolts out, you can remove the plastic around your gauges.

6. Now you can see little torque screws all the way around the gauges assembly, you have two options at this point: a: take the whole assembly out (makes it easier but also more work), or b: you can leave the gauges in place and just unscrew the torque bolts

7. Now you have those out, pull the Plexiglas front off and expose your gauges

8. The easiest way to remove your needles is by using a kitchen fork to pry them out (make sure they come straight out)

9. Now you need to remove your stock face plate, to do this be careful. I used a butter knife to slowly slide behind the stock ones and release the glue to be able to pull them out with up ripping them.

Now you need to put your new ones in:

10. You will need to glue them back in, I used a contact cement that I got for $1.79, put it on both surfaces and then put the gauges in, pressing firmly all around them to ensure they are on good and flat.

11. Now to put your needles back on: You need to start your truck while pressing the reset button until you see it say test across the screen. Now you will need to let you truck idle for a minute or two, then put all of the small needles in place (fill your tank then put that one on full). The RPMs and speedo are pretty easy when using the digital display, you push your reset button until you see it say ENG0000 then when you drive it should increase and that is your speed digitally so you can place the needle accordingly. To get to the RPMs you push the button until you see TAC and then some numbers that should be changing a little, that is your RPMs, no place your needle there.

12. Once you get all the needles on you put the Plexiglas cover back on and if you had the gauges out put them back in as well

13. Now you just put all the bolts back in place and snap the pieces in where they go.

This article was donated by the folks from DashArt.com