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

Dim dash lights

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 20, 2003 | 09:35 PM
  #1  
Finnford's Avatar
Finnford
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Dim dash lights

I have a 1984 F150, the dash lights are very dim, are there brighter bulbs or is this something that is common. When I adust to the brights level they are barely visible. This is only on the dash lights. All electrical on truck is fine.
 
Reply
Old May 20, 2003 | 10:22 PM
  #2  
steve83's Avatar
steve83
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
Dim dash lights

Pull the cluster out enough to probe the LB/R wire in the big connector WHILE the dash lights are on full bright, and see exactly what the voltage is. If it's below 11V, your "electrical" is NOT fine. If it's ~12V, then the 19-year-old blue filters over the bulbs are just getting foggy like most others. You can disassemble the cluster and remove them, but your cluster will look red/orange compared to what you're used to seeing. (That's what I did.) If you want to keep the blue look, just get some blue 194 bulbs from Wal-Mart or any parts store.

This site shows how to pull the cluster.
 
Reply
Old May 21, 2003 | 02:46 PM
  #3  
85FordTruck's Avatar
85FordTruck
New User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: At my house
Dim dash lights

I had the same problem, dim dash lights. The problem was a rusted rheostat (coiled circular spring found on the light switch). I found a non-rusted one at a junkyard and that cured the problem. If your voltage at the bulb is under 12V this may be the problem.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ZachWiesehan
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
2
Dec 23, 2014 10:35 AM
Raptorgabe
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
10
Jun 16, 2014 08:00 PM
Iowa Ford
Escape & Escape Hybrid
3
Jun 15, 2014 09:57 PM
nova_mxer
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
20
May 10, 2007 07:31 AM
o2outlaw93
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Nov 25, 2005 10:05 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:16 PM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE