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Jan 21, 2017 | 09:44 AM

Andrewfriend

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Dashboard illumination

Hi, I drove my 1971 F100 for the first time in the dark the other day. The gauges did not light up, had no idea how fast I was going. I know it's an old truck but should they light up?
thanks. Andrew

Jan 21, 2017 | 09:59 AM

HIO Silver

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From: NorCal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrewfriend

Hi, I drove my 1971 F100 for the first time in the dark the other day. The gauges did not light up, had no idea how fast I was going. I know it's an old truck but should they light up?
thanks. Andrew

Did ya try adjusting the dimmer function on the headlight switch?

Jan 21, 2017 | 11:47 AM

ultraranger

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From: El Dorado, Arkansas

Yeah, the rheostat could be turned all the way down on the light switch or, it could have a bad spot in the windings and no continuity with the switch at a particular position within the range of being off to full brightness.

Jan 23, 2017 | 02:03 PM

Andrewfriend

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Quote:

Originally Posted by HIO Silver

Did ya try adjusting the dimmer function on the headlight switch?

thanks I had no idea it had this function.

Jan 23, 2017 | 02:05 PM

Andrewfriend

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ultraranger

thanks for the answer I had no idea you could adjust the brightness on such an old truck.

Jan 24, 2017 | 01:58 AM

GaryKip

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From: Lind, WA- Eastern WA

Yes, after the 69's Ford converted the headlights from LP gas to 12v DC. LOL

Jan 24, 2017 | 06:38 AM

Classicdriver

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Huh? My 1970 has the LP gas headlights, So I'm probably not the only one with a crank start on the front either then? Sweet

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Jan 24, 2017 | 07:59 AM

maine71f100

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If it is not the rheostat I would also take the instrument cluster out it is fairly simple a few screws and a harness in the back. Just be careful with the harness as it is 40 plus years old and unplug. After removal you will see where the bulbs land and you can check each one. When this is out it is a good idea to just replace them.