Notices
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

DASH GAUGE LIGHTS?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 13, 2011 | 08:00 AM
  #1  
gwhpnut's Avatar
gwhpnut
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Depew, NY Near Buffalo,
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
 
Reply
Old May 13, 2011 | 09:41 AM
  #2  
Coneynew's Avatar
Coneynew
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 486
Likes: 1
From: Cochranville, PA
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.
 
Reply
Old May 13, 2011 | 12:37 PM
  #3  
gwhpnut's Avatar
gwhpnut
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Depew, NY Near Buffalo,
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...
 
Reply
Old May 13, 2011 | 09:50 PM
  #4  
ctubutis's Avatar
ctubutis
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Club FTE Gold Member
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.
 
Reply
Old May 14, 2011 | 01:03 AM
  #5  
gwhpnut's Avatar
gwhpnut
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Depew, NY Near Buffalo,
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
 
Reply
Old May 14, 2011 | 08:40 AM
  #6  
ctubutis's Avatar
ctubutis
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Club FTE Gold Member
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.
 
Reply
Old May 14, 2011 | 09:56 AM
  #7  
gwhpnut's Avatar
gwhpnut
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Depew, NY Near Buffalo,
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
 
Reply

Trending Topics

Old May 14, 2011 | 10:18 AM
  #8  
ctubutis's Avatar
ctubutis
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Club FTE Gold Member
Today's equivalent of that peanut butter stuff is dielectric grease. It's a water repellent installed at the factory.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old May 14, 2011 | 11:09 AM
  #9  
81-F-150-Explorer's Avatar
81-F-150-Explorer
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
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.
 
Reply
Old May 14, 2011 | 09:32 PM
  #10  
Coneynew's Avatar
Coneynew
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 486
Likes: 1
From: Cochranville, PA
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.
 
Reply
Old May 16, 2011 | 12:41 AM
  #11  
gwhpnut's Avatar
gwhpnut
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Depew, NY Near Buffalo,
Thanks, I will keep that in mind.

thanks for the offer for the board, vic
 
Reply
Old May 16, 2011 | 02:03 PM
  #12  
gwhpnut's Avatar
gwhpnut
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Depew, NY Near Buffalo,
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
 
Reply
Old May 17, 2011 | 07:53 AM
  #13  
Coneynew's Avatar
Coneynew
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 486
Likes: 1
From: Cochranville, PA
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
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
93nighthawk
Aerostar
39
Sep 23, 2015 08:55 PM
Brant Bowrifle
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
7
Aug 12, 2012 12:20 AM
Rusty_S
General Automotive Discussion
1
Dec 28, 2010 08:51 PM
StephenHenry
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Apr 28, 2010 10:04 AM
Ddog1023
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
1
Mar 26, 2004 01:31 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:40 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE