Strange Dash Issue
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 25
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From: Denver Area
Strange Dash Issue
For the last year or so I have been having an issue with my dash lights. The issue is that when I pull my headlight switch out to turn on my headlights all of the following happens: the seat belt buzzer sticks on at a low tone, the background dash lights become so dim you can hardly see the gauges, both turn signal lights become dimly lit, and my fuel gauge moves all the way to the right showing that I have over a full tank. When I hit the high beam switch on the floor to turn on my brights the buzzer gets louder. Also, when I use my turn signals the buzzer becomes louder whenever the flasher cycles.
From time to time the issue will suddenly go away and all of the dash lights come on like normal.
Anyone ever have this issue? Any idea as to what is going on? I am not sure where to start.
From time to time the issue will suddenly go away and all of the dash lights come on like normal.
Anyone ever have this issue? Any idea as to what is going on? I am not sure where to start.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
The easiest thing to look for is any additions that someone may have added for stereos or CB or whatever. Tapping into any wire that's "hot" without regard to current handling for example. You've got a ground problem alright - a short to ground sounds like.
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 25
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From: Denver Area
Bad connection
Figured it out. I took the instrument panel out and looked at the contacts, everything looked good so I put it back in and turned on my headlights. It was doing the same thing so I decided to see if I could wiggle the connection and sure enough the harness connection to the cluster has enough movement to where it causes a poor connection. I wont be able to scrounge around for a replacement anytime soon so do you guys think I can put a little dielectric grease on the contacts to help me get by?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
What kind of connector is it? Without knowing exactly, try cleaning it out well with a solvent, maybe crimping the parts so good positive contact. Dielectric just keeps corrosion and moisture away. Glad you found the problem!
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 25
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From: Denver Area
Thanks guys, I put some dielectric on it and put it back as snug as possible. The connection is where the harness plugs into the back of the cluster to the circuit board. The material to the cluster is crumbling so I can't do anything to fix it other than replace it with one from a newer Econoline or aftermarket.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Thanks guys, I put some dielectric on it and put it back as snug as possible. The connection is where the harness plugs into the back of the cluster to the circuit board.
The POS composition material cluster back is TURNING TO DUST before my very eyes, so I can't do anything to fix it other than replace it with one from a newer Econoline or aftermarket.
The POS composition material cluster back is TURNING TO DUST before my very eyes, so I can't do anything to fix it other than replace it with one from a newer Econoline or aftermarket.
E1PZ-10848-A .. Hard Plastic Cluster Back - 1981/91 Econoline with Oil/Amp GAUGES.
E1PZ-10848-B .. Hard Plastic Cluster Back - 1981/86 Econoline with Oil/Amp WARNING LAMPS.
Available NOS from Carpenter.
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