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DASH GAUGE LIGHTS?

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Old May 13, 2011 | 08:00 AM
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Question DASH GAUGE LIGHTS?

I have a problem after changing the dash lights out with led lights. It seems the the speedometer/tach side light up but the gauge side do not? and then the gauge side lights up and the speedo/tach go out? weird??? they seem to trade off every once in a while? (read that as every other trip?) sometimes they all go out? What do you think about putting some dielectric grease on the plug to the board? Oh yeah, I switched out the circuit board (used) to get the tach put in if that helps? I have to say, that the main plug set up is a really cheap set up? and I suspect is the problem? what do you think?, P.S. is there a easy way to get the wiper and headlight ***** off for future endeavors? That was the hardest part of the job!!! ,vic
 
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Old May 13, 2011 | 09:41 AM
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Wipers and Headlight ***** - easieat way I remove them is to use a small flat screwdriver. On the back of the ***** are small notches. You can use the tip of the screwdriver to press the metal 'holder' and they release. I kind of place my thumb on the **** while holding the screwdriver and they come off very easy.

LEDS - check to see of the LED fillaments are contacting both side when inserted in the socket. Do they fit in losely? The standard bulbs usually fit in there pretty tight.
 
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Old May 13, 2011 | 12:37 PM
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Oh Yeah, they fit tight.. I made sure first, and that they worked

Yes they fit tight, I even pulled the wire ends out to be sure they made contact. I do not think it is the bulbs, as the whole side of the dash goes out on one side, then altenates the other side? great if I was in a carnival? I like the blue leds but this is just one of those nagging problems I can't seem to figure out. it's not just one bulb at a time that goes out, it's a group? I was thinking the main plug to the dash might be the problem? I have no idea if it was like this before I did the leds, as all the bulbs were out before...Oh well, as long as it don't go all ghostrider on me?...vic I have an old ice pick I curled up the point that should work on the *****??? we'll see...
 
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Old May 13, 2011 | 09:50 PM
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The old ice pick would be perfect! I use a dental pick:

From Franklin2's images:




For the headlight ****, i reach underneath and push the (mechanical) button on the switch, this releases the **** + shaft as a single unit:





Have never run into a problem like you're having with the lighting, but I would be suspicious of the connection and/or the printed circuit itself - a trace breaking and coming off the mylar film perhaps.
 
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Old May 14, 2011 | 01:03 AM
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GOOD TO KNOW!!! Thanks for the input!!!

Thats good to know about the whole shaft coming out with that button, that spring idea is not one of fords better ideas...Got any ideas about the temperamental dash lights? just went for a night ride, and they switched sides again??? now the gauges are out and the speedo and tach are on? seemed like I hit a pot hole to make it happen this time...really weirding me out...this may have been a circus truck at one time? vic also a very good idea about the dental picks, "C" I have a few of those as well, but save them for 2 weeks before my dental check ups so the don't get on me for not flossing enough....heehee
 
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Old May 14, 2011 | 08:40 AM
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Does this light problem exist 1) when using all LEDs, and 2) when using all bulbs?

The behavior changing when hitting a bump tells me of a bad electrical connection someplace but I'm still most suspicious of that mylar printed circuit.
 
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Old May 14, 2011 | 09:56 AM
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I was hoping it wasn't that....

Yeah, I was hoping it wasn't that as the printed thingy, as it is about 100.00 at LMC, Wow that's expensive Mylar!!! ouch!!! the people that make fake ID are in the wrong business.... also I just switched my tail and parking bulbs to led also, found the stock bulbs had some kind of peanut butter looking grease on them in the sockets? is this factory? there is always something interesting to be found on this truck.... weird...,vic
 
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Old May 14, 2011 | 10:18 AM
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Today's equivalent of that peanut butter stuff is dielectric grease. It's a water repellent installed at the factory.
 
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Old May 14, 2011 | 11:09 AM
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The original grease is White Lithium grease.

It will slowly get harder and thicker as it ages, and will turn a off white or light brown. I bought a small pint can almost 20 years ago for packing light bulbs, connectors, and lubing up the speedometer cables, and still haven't used it all.
 
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Old May 14, 2011 | 09:32 PM
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Originally Posted by gwhpnut
Yeah, I was hoping it wasn't that as the printed thingy, as it is about 100.00 at LMC, Wow that's expensive Mylar!!! ouch!!! the people that make fake ID are in the wrong business.... also I just switched my tail and parking bulbs to led also, found the stock bulbs had some kind of peanut butter looking grease on them in the sockets? is this factory? there is always something interesting to be found on this truck.... weird...,vic
If it turns out to be the Circuit Board, let me know. I have an extra one.
 
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Old May 16, 2011 | 12:41 AM
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Thanks, I will keep that in mind.

thanks for the offer for the board, vic
 
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Old May 16, 2011 | 02:03 PM
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Smile How Much for the circuit board?

how much do you want for the circuit board you have? I may want to try that? Thank you, vic
 
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Old May 17, 2011 | 07:53 AM
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Originally Posted by gwhpnut
how much do you want for the circuit board you have? I may want to try that? Thank you, vic
Sending PM. Really cheap, not here to make money, just to help out
 
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