Hey there, I'm new here so let me give a bit of info on my truck.
Its a 1989 F250 XLT lariat 4x4, i just bought it and i have not done much to it except replace a TPS and IAC and did some surgery on the Thermostat housing, to get her running.

My dash lights are out. not the Check lights all of them do turn on during the bulb check. but my back light on the RPM, MPH, Gas, Temp, batt., and fuel gauges are all out. including the A/C controls.

I have heard this is a common problem in this period of the F-series, My question is Where should i start looking besides the fuse box?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks!

 

Check the bulbs.....Just pull the cluster, and check each one....They're a 194 size bulb....

 

But all my lights are out every one of them. all the bulbs. is it something like a bad circuit or a spot that commonly corrodes?

 

Check the illumination wire....In my 1992 its a light blue/red wire.....It controls ALL the illumination (Dash/AC controls).....See if it gets power when you pull the headlight **** on....

 

Just curious if your tail lights are working? They are on the same fuse I believe. Probably already been checked out but just a suggestion. Even if a visual check looks ok, I'd test it with a meter or light just to be sure. Other than that, the bulbs are a possibility like Sidewinder mentioned but unless it's been sitting for a long period of time, not likely.

Also, check your headlight ****. Twist it back and forth to see if they flicker on or anything. You could hook power directly in just to see if they work but don't leave it that way, that would just confirm they do work and you have a connection issue elsewhere.

Good luck, and report back with what you find or don't find.

Welcome to FTE!

EDIT: I just saw Sidewinder's last post. Good advice there, check it out.

 

Kevin, you made a good point also...The Headlight switch is known to give issues with the headlights flickering on/off (The breakers wear, and the thermal load makes them rest themselves-Keeps the lights from failing altogether/Gives you a warning)...

Could possibly be corrosion also....

 

The dash lights get their power through the tail light fuse, BUT, there is also separate fuse going to the dash lights..

SO, if the tail light are working look for a fuse marked ill. (IIRC) Hard to put into words this morning but the dash lights split off of the tail lights but have a fuse all their own..

 

Check the headlight switch too. Look a the bottom pic here, you can see the coil that runs around the big white ring and the contact that touches it. This is what controls the brightness of the dash lights when to turn the ****. If that contact isn't touching the coil, the dash lights won't work at all. I've had this happen more than once. You might be able to bend it back so it touches again. Otherwise, these switches are cheap and most auto parts stores carry them.

 

Thanks guys! I bought all new switches but to install them i need to take the Paneling off. i don't want to break anything so is it clipped in / bolted on? how would i go about removing the dash panels?

 

Use a flat blade screwdriver to pop the 2 trim panels off the instrument bezel, then remove the 2 Torx head screws....

Then use a small dental pick, or a REALLY small screwdriver to bump the release tab in the headlight switch...


Now, all you have to do is gently tug the bezel off....Then flip it up, and remove the 2 screws from the fuel tank switch (Don't HAVE to take it completely off, but its easier....

Reinstall in reverse order...

 

Thanks sidewinder! that was extremely helpful!

 

I Have all my lights up and running now! Thanks for everything. Rheostat coil finger was missing in the light switch i had to go buy a new one. while i was at it i also got a new intermittent wiper switch.

Thanks guys!!!
(oh remember to disconnect the battery... i burnt myself on the rheostat coil from shorting out in my hand upon removal. Rookie mistake on my end. Now i have a branding of the coil in in my fingertip that's is probably going to forever change my fingerprint lol.