Instrument cluster lights KAPUT
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 42
From: Almost back in TX biotche
I hate electrical crap. If no blown fuses, I would want to see if there is a problem with the cluster next before I start tracing wires. Find a buddy with the same truck and see if they are willing to let you hook theirs up to see if everything is working. I am sure someone has a little more experience in this department then I do, but that is the route I would go.
What area you live in and what year and engine do you have?
What area you live in and what year and engine do you have?
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Unlisted.
With stuff like that I always check the fuses (like you did) then check the ground for the cluster, after that I'd check the B+ to the cluster lights and troubleshoot from there... seems like 75% of the time its the ground though... On all vehicles, not just the EX.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 192
Likes: 12
Don't laugh but I didn't think of that initially... yes I eventually did check it
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 192
Likes: 12
I've checked for chafing/corrosion on everything at the tail light end, sprayed corrosion block in all terminals and still nothing....
Anyone know of a way to check the dimmer switch before shelling out $80 to find out that's not it??
Anyone know of a way to check the dimmer switch before shelling out $80 to find out that's not it??
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 330
Likes: 15
From: Greenville, SC
Does the dimmer switch still control all of the other lights on your dash (radio, climate control, etc,)?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 192
Likes: 12
Oddly, no it doesn't. Those lights remain constantly bright no matter how I turn the brightness wheel. It will however, still turn my overhead light on and off if that helps.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 16
From: Ouray, CO
so you are turning headlight switch to ON, not to auto, if so equipted?
Your headlights do turn on?
Tail lights and side markers on too?
How about door switches, the window and door lock switches are all backllit when you have lights on, so are the rear defroster and disable backup sensor switches.
What year and engine?
Your headlights do turn on?
Tail lights and side markers on too?
How about door switches, the window and door lock switches are all backllit when you have lights on, so are the rear defroster and disable backup sensor switches.
What year and engine?
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 330
Likes: 15
From: Greenville, SC
For what it's worth, I just checked our 2004 Super Duty (6.0L) by removing the cluster altogether and seeing if the dimmer switch still controlled the remaining dash lights. The dimmer switch did still work properly and dim the radio/climate controls, etc. with the cluster removed. I hope this helps.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 192
Likes: 12
What I think I'm going to do is to pull the switch and check it with an Ohm meter and see if I'm getting any variation in Ohms when working the dial.
Will post up what I find, seems this might be a common thing.
I hope it is just the switch, that's an easy fix.
Will post up what I find, seems this might be a common thing.
I hope it is just the switch, that's an easy fix.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 192
Likes: 12
Follow up to put this one to bed: My light issue was caused by two things, a blown #17 fuse which was caused by a shorted/blown tag light.
Everything's back to normal.
Hope this helps someone else on the forum
Everything's back to normal.
Hope this helps someone else on the forum
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 16
From: Ouray, CO
Reps, for posting up the resolution.