How to Repair a Digital Dash in a Lincoln

by Daniel Valladares

The gauge cluster, often referred to as a digital dash, on your Lincoln vehicle differs from traditional gauge clusters in that all of the displays, including the speedometer, odometer, and fuel gauge, are digital. If you find that your digital dash is not functioning properly, the most common problem is a blown-out fuse. If the fuse is fine, the issue may be with the digital dash itself. Either a wire has come loose or, worse, the device is no longer operational and will need to be replaced. In any case, the solution is fairly quick and simple.

Step 1

Open the hood of your Lincoln vehicle and disconnect the battery. Use a socket wrench to remove the negative terminal in order to disconnect the battery.

Step 2

Pull the cover off the fuse block in the engine compartment. Locate the fuse in slot 18.

Step 3

Pull the fuse out with a fuse extractor and replace it with a new 10A fuse. If the digital dash is still malfunctioning, the problem will be either the instrument's wiring or the digital dash itself. Place the cover back onto the fuse block.

Step 4

Open the driver's-side door. With a Phillips screwdriver, uninstall the four securing screws from the digital dash. Remove the two screws above the digital dash on the upper-left dash panel. Remove the dash panel.

Step 5

Pull the digital dash towards you and reach behind it to locate all three of its wiring connectors. If any of the connectors are not properly connected, plug them into the rear of the digital dash. If the digital dash is still malfunctioning, you will need to replace it.

Step 6

Disconnect all three connectors and remove the digital dash from the vehicle. Install a replacement digital dash and reconnect all three wiring connectors.