gauge lights not working
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
The first step in solving any problem, especially electrical, is stating the issue very clearly. Which specific lights are failing? Just the lights in the instrument cluster, or behind the heater and lighting panel as well? Do all suspect lights fail in unison? Is the failure associated with any specific condition (e.g, only fails with something else turned on, etc) or is the problem completely intermittent? What is the state of the headlight switch dimmer **** in this condition (specifically, it's angle of rotation)?
As you can tell, simply stating they don't work doesn't give folks much to go on.
As you can tell, simply stating they don't work doesn't give folks much to go on.
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
the bulb behind the window wiper switch and headlight switch work fine, as do the one(s) behind HVAC controls. its just the ones behind the gauges. when they decide to work is completely random. sometimes if i smack the top of the dashboard, theyll turn on, probably not the best solution but it works lol.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
In that case, I agree with Mustangking1. There are a total of two bulbs back there; they twist into the cluster backing, which breaks down over time. When that happens, they lose contact with the printed circuit and make intermittent contact. Alternatively, the cluster connector can be coming loose, for the same reason. You'll have to pull the cluster forward and see what kind of shape it's in. I just got done going through all this; in my case it was my high-beam light that had busted out, which I got thumped on the head for during my last state inspection.
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