Instrument cluster issues
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
Instrument cluster issues
Did some work on the truck yesterday. I removed the filler neck and found the plastic vent tube laying inside the filler neck but on the bottom. Got the tube put back into the upper portion and haven't filled it yet, but I have high hopes.
As for the instrument cluster, I removed it yesterday and replaced all the bulbs. I plugged it back in and while the flasher makes sounds and seat belt buzzer is buzzing, no lights are appearing for those. Same with the parking brake. before I only had a few lights for dash lights come on and it wasnt dark enough to see them. Printed circuit looks ok, I dont see any bad runs, but it isnt obvious to me if the bulb holders are making great contact with the printed circuit. I haven't checked the fuses, but I can certainly hear the flasher working.
Any ideas?
Also, found some rodent droppings on the fenderwell and across the battery top. What can I put under the hood to prevent them from coming?
As for the instrument cluster, I removed it yesterday and replaced all the bulbs. I plugged it back in and while the flasher makes sounds and seat belt buzzer is buzzing, no lights are appearing for those. Same with the parking brake. before I only had a few lights for dash lights come on and it wasnt dark enough to see them. Printed circuit looks ok, I dont see any bad runs, but it isnt obvious to me if the bulb holders are making great contact with the printed circuit. I haven't checked the fuses, but I can certainly hear the flasher working.
Any ideas?
Also, found some rodent droppings on the fenderwell and across the battery top. What can I put under the hood to prevent them from coming?
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,936
Likes: 4,124
From: Angier, NC
Or 4 in my case 
Pull the cluster back out. Pull all the bulbs and on the board use 1200 grit sand paper and make the contacts nice and shinny.
You can also to the contacts on the bulb holders with the sand paper too.
Don't for get to do the contacts on the board where the cable plugs in and the cable too.
I did this to my 81 F100 when I installed LED's and I only have 2 lights that don't work all the time.
Right dash turn light and the left upper gauge flickers at times.
I just hate to pull the cluster just to fix 2 lights that may or may not work when back together?
Dave ----
Pull the cluster back out. Pull all the bulbs and on the board use 1200 grit sand paper and make the contacts nice and shinny.
You can also to the contacts on the bulb holders with the sand paper too.
Don't for get to do the contacts on the board where the cable plugs in and the cable too.
I did this to my 81 F100 when I installed LED's and I only have 2 lights that don't work all the time.
Right dash turn light and the left upper gauge flickers at times.
I just hate to pull the cluster just to fix 2 lights that may or may not work when back together?
Dave ----
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 230
Likes: 6
From: Duncan, SC
Solid advice from Dave already on the cluster, clean the contacts. And while it's out check the bulbs, it's possible you had a couple bad from the get go.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 65
the instrument cluster voltage regulator is attached to the circuit board with a bolt. This is a grounding point. Run a jumper wire from this bolt to the chassis to ensure a good ground.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
chopperfreak
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
12
Mar 1, 2019 07:48 PM
Jobo57
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Jun 2, 2014 02:30 AM
ngupton12
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Feb 14, 2014 12:46 PM
Roger T. Pipe
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Oct 5, 2009 10:58 AM
