instrument cluster lighting
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 438
From: IL
instrument cluster lighting
2003 f350 5.4L auto 4x4. The lights stopped working on the dash so now I can't see the speedo at night. All the dummy lights and gauges work. I checked the 3 fuses for the cluster from the owners manual. All 3 are good. Here's the thing, fuse 35, Checked for continuity, my meter read 192 not all zero's like it should have. I pulled the fuse and rechecked it, it was good. I replaced it anyway. rechecked with fuse in, I get 192 again. pulled fuse again, checked both sides of socket for voltage and I'm getting 12.64 volts on both sides of the socket. Even though the fuse reads good, could this be the reason my cluster isn't lighting up? Is there a fuse on the back of the cluster? I see a lot of threads on the cluster lights being out but its usually no tail lights or power windows or other things, and if there's a solution nobody is posting it. Mine is simply no lights on dash or I should say (No Back lighting). All my lights inside and outside work. Thanks for any info.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,760
Likes: 1,079
From: St Louis
Fuse F35 is giving those goofy readings because you're trying to make resistance readings in a circuit that is powered. This is NOT recommended as it can damage the meter's electronics and will cause illogical readings. In any event, F35 has nothing to do with the cluster illumination anyway.
There's a discrete section of the main headlight switch that takes a feed from the parking lamp circuit and then uses that to provide an adjustable illumination for the instrument panel lamps, including the headlight switch itself. If your parking lamps work normally from the switch, there are no fuses that can cause your symptom.
Do the rest of the dimmable panel lamps (excluding the cluster) work or not? That will tell you where to focus, either at the switch or at the feed to the cluster.
There's a discrete section of the main headlight switch that takes a feed from the parking lamp circuit and then uses that to provide an adjustable illumination for the instrument panel lamps, including the headlight switch itself. If your parking lamps work normally from the switch, there are no fuses that can cause your symptom.
Do the rest of the dimmable panel lamps (excluding the cluster) work or not? That will tell you where to focus, either at the switch or at the feed to the cluster.
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 438
From: IL
Do the rest of the dimmable panel lamps (excluding the cluster) work or not? That will tell you where to focus, either at the switch or at the feed to the cluster.
What other lights are dimmable? I have tried the dimmer switch, the only light that works is the interior light when you turn the switch all the way up. It has an aftermarket radio, it works but it doest have leds on it like the stock radio would. I never checked to see if the headlights worked on auto, i didnt think it would have any bearing on the dash lights. I dont know if this answers your question but i do not have anything lighted on the dashboard anywhere with the lights on.
What other lights are dimmable? I have tried the dimmer switch, the only light that works is the interior light when you turn the switch all the way up. It has an aftermarket radio, it works but it doest have leds on it like the stock radio would. I never checked to see if the headlights worked on auto, i didnt think it would have any bearing on the dash lights. I dont know if this answers your question but i do not have anything lighted on the dashboard anywhere with the lights on.
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 438
From: IL
I removed cluster panel, I have 3 plugs on the back, 1 large white and 1 smaller gray and 1 smaller black, Which one of these plugs should I be looking at, which wire(s) would it be, or should I be concentrating on the headlight and dimmer Switch? Thanks for any help.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,760
Likes: 1,079
From: St Louis
What other lights are dimmable? I
I never checked to see if the headlights worked on auto,
I removed cluster panel,
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 438
From: IL
Thanks, you just gave me the answer... sort of...theres no power to the lt b/ r wire. So i guess theres a break in the wire. I measured voltage going into dimmer on that wire and theres nothing. I jumpered the wire from the solid brown wire on the headlight switch and the cluster lighted. Now i need to back trace the b/r wire to see where it leads to.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,760
Likes: 1,079
From: St Louis
I've already told you where it comes from, the main light switch. Connector C205b, pin 1, to be precise.
If you have power coming in from the parking lamp circuit(C205b, pin 6, tan/white) but no power out, the dimmer circuitry in the switch assembly has failed.
If you have power coming in from the parking lamp circuit(C205b, pin 6, tan/white) but no power out, the dimmer circuitry in the switch assembly has failed.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 438
From: IL
Ok, thank you for the information. I'll head down to the dealer tomorrow and buy a new switch.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,745
Likes: 72
From: West Virginia
Doesn't get any better than this. Reps sent.
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 438
From: IL
Well i just got the new switch today and it created a new problem. Now #17 fuse (exterior lamps) keeps blowing everytime i turn the headlight switch on. I pulled a mess load of wiring out of the truck thinking it may be causing it. What else can i look at to try to find the problem.
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 438
From: IL
Does anybody have the lighting circuit schematic? I need to figure out where all the connectors are for the lights, I mean the obvious are the 4 corners of the truck, but are there any in the engine bay near the firewall or under the dash that are hidden?
Could there be a problem in the steering column causing the short in the lights? Maybe the OD button on the shifter? How do I open that up to take a peak at the wiring?
Thanks for any help, It's much appreciated.
Could there be a problem in the steering column causing the short in the lights? Maybe the OD button on the shifter? How do I open that up to take a peak at the wiring?
Thanks for any help, It's much appreciated.
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 438
From: IL
Answered my own question...the bulb is a strobe light....i can't believe someone would do stuff like this to thier vehicles....i may have to give it up and take it to ford....electrical isn't my strong suit.