Dash lights not working

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Mar 13, 2019 | 07:32 PM

Busyb187

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Joined: Mar 2019

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Dash lights not working

Hello everyone. Im new here but I have a small problem. My 2004 f250 6.0 was and still is driving fine but a few days ago all my dash lights (illumination) went dark. I can see odometer, all gages work, inside dome light works, but at night I just cant see anything unless i put a flashlight to the gage cluster. I find it unlikely that all the bukbs in the cluster burned together at the same time. Any ideas or help will gladly be appreciated.

Mar 13, 2019 | 07:42 PM

tfunk88

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 1,480

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From: West by God Virginyuh

Checked fuses? Dash illumination switch?

Mar 13, 2019 | 08:26 PM

Busyb187

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New User

Joined: Mar 2019

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Yes i checked the dimmer swutch already. Swapped it with a known good one and still nothing.

Mar 13, 2019 | 09:24 PM

Visurveyor

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jul 2018

Posts: 1,629

Likes: 103

From: Jacksonville Florida

Forscan lite will read codes on dash cluster and other Diagnostics on your vehicle. I have forscan full version(laptop) forscan Lite and Torque Pro. Never use ScanGauge so I don't know if they'll diagnosis it or not.

Mar 13, 2019 | 10:17 PM

bismic

Fleet Owner

Joined: Nov 2003

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Check the wires behind the dash going to the illumination switch. Did you check the appropriate fuse(s) as tfunk88 suggested?

Mar 13, 2019 | 10:20 PM

Busyb187

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Oh and i forgot to add, the rear lights went dead at the same time so no rear lights on the truck.

Mar 13, 2019 | 10:38 PM

bismic

Fleet Owner

Joined: Nov 2003

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Likes: 3,595

Quote:

Originally Posted by bismic

Check the wires behind the dash going to the illumination switch. Did you check the appropriate fuse(s) as tfunk88 suggested?

edit - also check the wiring to the tail lights! Interestingly enough, a short there can affect the dash lighting.

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Mar 14, 2019 | 12:29 PM

coolfeet

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 1,558

Likes: 26

From: Bay Area

I have the 2004 van and the instrument cluster has ground inside the unit. My instrument cluster would go on and off intermittently. I sent to Circuit Board Medics for rebuilding. It works fine with the exception that the speed displays 5 mph when not moving. I checked the speed with my GPS and it's reading 5 mph higher. Keeps me from getting speeding tickets!