Does anyone know what voltage is being output to the dash illumination bulbs on high? Mine is only putting out 9V. It will turn down lower but that is the max voltage coming in to dash from dimmer control ****. Lights are to dim.

 

It should be full system voltage when no dimming is dialed in. Does your dome light come one when you click the dimmer wheel all the way high? What is your voltage then? You may have a shorted out bulb or wire somewhere.

 

Some of the information in the link below may help you find a solution or an idea. I realize the posts are focused on the radio and overhead console, but the wiring diagrams and some pertinent test points that may interest you are indicated.

Link: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...mmer-wire.html

Good luck and keep us updated!

 

yes dome light comes on if you roll up all the way into detent and is 12V. When I replaced all the bulbs in the instrument cluster (and some were burned out) I was checking to see where to tap off to illuminate my new oil pressure gauge and that is when I found out it only had 9 volt max coming from the switch even with the instrument cluster unplugged. I did not realize till I went to drive the truck at night that I was not satisfied with the brightness. Like you said if it has a variable dimmer control **** (and it does) then logically one would think it should go up to and = to battery output but I did not design the thing. I am just here to modify it to suit my needs but before I do I was just wondering if that was indeed normal. Maybe the switch is bad? I need to get the dash back off and see what voltage is fed to the switch to find out where the voltage drop occurs. Only now I will have trouble getting the dash back out as I have tightened the two screws up that hold it from the top of the radio compartment and I do not have whatever tool is used to take the radio out. I got lucky they were not to tight wen I took it off last time. I did not break anything but when I saw these two screws after removal I took the radio out by releasing those clips from the inside so as I could tighten down those two screws after reinstallation. In the meantime I am very busy replacing the whole steering system: gearbox, drag link, tie rod ends inner and outer, and three of the four power steering/brake boost hydra lines; and new updated sealed beam headlights with turn signals and running lights, plus the dome light. And now I am contemplating changing out the drive shaft carrier bearing and u joints. while I am waiting for my new headlight dimmer switch to arrive. Okay enough rambling on, I was just trying to find out if 9V was supposed to be max voltage to the dash illumination bulbs. Thanks for your input!

 

Found this in section 413-00 under Instrument Cluster and Panel Illumination when looking through the Diagnosis and Testing Symptom chart at Condition "The control illumination is inoperative".

I have also attached the "Instrument Panel Illumination Pinpoint Tests" as a PDF for your use/review.

 

Well that should be all the info I need Thanks for digging that out.!!

 

Oh and one more thing...Does anyone know what tool is used to undo the radio clips from this side of the dash?

 

Some good stiff wire about 1/8" in diameter stuffed into all 4 holes should release the catches.

 

Thanks. there are no holes on whatever radio is in mine but I just used a screwdriver and pried each corner out came out pretty easy.

 

You pulled the stereo out already, but for anyone that finds your post in the future during a search should be directed to the image below.

The "tools" can be purchased at any of the parts stores as they are usually on the shelf somewhere. Or, you can do like most of us have done and cut up a wire hanger and use that.