Do I need to go to a service station to have bulbs changed in a 2003 Ford Ranger Instrument panel or can a lay person figure it out?
I’m not specifically familiar with the Explorer, but those I’ve changed have required removal of the instrument cluster, the back of which contained the actual bulbs. Removal of the cluster required removal of various dashboard parts. I’d suggest starting by getting a Haynes repair manual at the local parts store.
If no one here knows the details try a Ranger-specific board. You are almost sure to find some posts there or someone that has done it.