Instrument cluster problem
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2012
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Instrument cluster problem
Hello all. I have a problem I hope you can help with. I recently pulled the dash to install an amp and tie up some of the mess behind the dash. I had previously replaced the backlighting with LED's and they worked fine until recently, one was out. turns out the plastic back to the cluster was brittle and falling apart and would not hold the connector. So I bought a new back from Dennis Carpenter. The back was an exact fit except that it did not have a hole for a light that would go behind the odometer. No biggie. Everything fit very nice with the new plastic. However, before tying up everything, I wanted to test the cluster to make sure the polarity was right on the LED's. Neither of them lit up, regardless of how I turned the bulbs. Plus, I had the high beam, fasten seat belt, and both turn signals working once, then they stopped. No blown fuse. Then I got a turn signal to work, then nothing again. I checked all bulbs and they were tight. Now I have no lights in the cluster. I also checked ground and was fine. It seems like maybe a short, but I can find no problems in the wires. Any ideas what may cause this? Thanks in advance for the help.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
Have you verified that the lights work out of the cluster with 12 volts applied to them directly? You're trying to troubleshoot more than one variable at the same time. No bueno.
Like I mentioned in your other post about your stereo system, you need to describe the problem and the steps you've taken exactly. Making generic claims such as "I got a turn signal to work" doesn't tell me anything. Okay, what are you physically doing? I should be able to repeat your exact procedure on my own truck and not have to come back with questions.
Like I mentioned in your other post about your stereo system, you need to describe the problem and the steps you've taken exactly. Making generic claims such as "I got a turn signal to work" doesn't tell me anything. Okay, what are you physically doing? I should be able to repeat your exact procedure on my own truck and not have to come back with questions.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 280
Likes: 2
From: Alabama
If everything was working other than that one bulb before you took it apart, it sounds like your problem is self induced. I would look really close at the circuit board as well as the little bar toward the top left and check for continuity between the plug connection throughout the board (paper). But first, just double check that your head light switch is working properly and that you got the **** to seat/catch correctly and just mess with it (twist it, tap it, etc...) to see if anything happens such as a flicker or very dim dash lights, etc...
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