Truck: 1998 Ford F150 Ex Cab. 5.4 ltr, auto, 2WD. 186,000 miles.
Problem: No guages.
History: Left center dash bulb burnt out so I pulled the cluster to replace bulb. Bulb replacement successful, now all bulbs are lit when headlights are activated. However, ALL gauges are out. They will not work at all. Checked ALL under dash fuses. All are good. Checked wires leading from shift stalk, all are good, no chafing, however, light at end of shift stalk for O/D OFF is not lit. GEM connection is clean and tight, truck has NEVER leaked at windshield seal. Disconnected battery to clear any codes and let sit overnight. Next morning truck started and ran normally however...No Guages.

Rechecked ALL fuses under dash, all are good.

Now, somebody please give me a clue, hint, or direction. I'm at wits end.

 

Remove the cluster again and check the plugs. Has to be something you did.

 

Question. Does the charge light come on before cranking then go out?
If yes, that function is seperate from the rest of the dash.
Test/replace fuse 23 or the fuse feeding the dash or test for voltage past it.
This fuse feeds most all the dash gages, don't just look at it.
Good luck.

 

Already checked each contact pin on all three plugs and checkec contact between contact pins and ribbon connection, all good.

 

Have already checked all fuses, with particular attention to #2, #19, & #29. Will double check #23, thanks for the help.

I'll post the results

 

Although fuses tested good, fuse plug itself was cracked allowing fuse #29 to contact on one blade only. Since the one side of the fuse plug was tight, installing the fuse FELT like it was making contact. Had to pull ALL fuses and check each blade contact before I found the problem. Thanks to all for the help and suggestions!

 

Nothing like "coincidence".

 

Great job.
I pretty much knew what the problem was from experience and researching the wiring schematic and saw all the places and funtions that fuse fed and the way it acts when there is no power.
There should have been a string of codes from it.
The no proper forward drive but reverse was ok, was the thing that told me what was wrong.
Good luck.