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1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Slick Sixties Ford Truck

Dash lights not working

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Old Jan 27, 2021 | 02:18 PM
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Dash lights not working

1963 f100

Redoing the wiring. Dash lights worked before. Currently gauge set is out of dash. I understand that the 3 bulb sockets ground to the gauge set frame from the dash/body. Based on the schematic for wiring, it shows the blue and red wire running from the light switch. So I've connected the red and blue wire to the light switch (it is hanging not mounted in dash if that causes and issue), red/blue to light socket. Then I run a ground wire to the small bent clip on the bulb socket. I would show voltage between 1.8ish and 8.5ish, depending on the dimmer switch, at the light switch. If I grounded the bulb the voltage would drop to 0.

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Old Jan 27, 2021 | 03:12 PM
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Frequently the headlight switch is at fault . Especially the rheostat/dimmer. Replacements are cheap.
 
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Old Jan 27, 2021 | 03:25 PM
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I assumed it was bad since the voltage jumped a bit when turning it. Already had ordered another one due to a tab breaking on this one. Just trying to get all the wiring wrapped up before it does. Ill report back if the issue persists with the new switch.
 
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Old Jan 27, 2021 | 04:00 PM
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FWIW, there are members here who have been successful repairing their original switch/rheostat in lieu of replacing it. If they see this post, perhaps one of them can advise you. I just always have an NOS replacement on my spares shelf and swap them out.

I have spares for about all switches, relays, heater motor, wiper motor, hoses, belts, etc., mostly NOS I buy them usually from eBay, when the price is right and before I actually have need of them. Stuff I cannot find on the Bay, or by using PartsVoice or RearCounter, NumberDummy has always been able to help me out with. Some, though, I have to buy used and renew them. Member Christmas just sold me a replacement radiator that I will shortly have recored and change it out before my next long trip. Then,I will have the original recored and stashed away for the future. When one of my grandsons gets this truck 10-15 years hence, he’ll have parts to keep it on the road long after I am dead.
 
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Old Jan 27, 2021 | 06:57 PM
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Continued messing with the switch and got the lights to flicker and such. So it looks like that is the issue. I noticed the contact (I believe for the dome light) was quite corroded so I'm sure the rheostat is suffering from corrosion as well.
 
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Old Jan 28, 2021 | 12:25 AM
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Just change the switch. Repairs to it are not worth your time.
 
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Old Jan 28, 2021 | 08:08 AM
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Originally Posted by Christmas
Just change the switch. Repairs to it are not worth your time.
Something something I ordered a new switch...
 
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