I don't know the answer to this but someone probably will. Could it be the headlight switch? Just thinking out loud. 
Dash off when lights on?
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Dash off when lights on?
I have a 93 F150 swb 4x4,
the other day i noticed when i turn the head lights on, the dash and radio lights go off?
i have checked the fuses and the head light dimmer and they dont seem to be the prob,
the cluster and radio still function i just cant see them at night,
also the radio always works but does not show time/station when headlights are on,
truck is all stock with the exception of a kelsey brake controller
any ideas?
thanks in advance
the other day i noticed when i turn the head lights on, the dash and radio lights go off?
i have checked the fuses and the head light dimmer and they dont seem to be the prob,
the cluster and radio still function i just cant see them at night,
also the radio always works but does not show time/station when headlights are on,
truck is all stock with the exception of a kelsey brake controller
any ideas?
thanks in advance
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
I need more info. You say the dash lights go out when the headlamps are turned on? I am assuming you mean the dash lamps come on when you pull the switch out half-way, and then go out when you pull the headlamp switch out all the way?
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Thanks for the reply Dave,
I have no dash lights at all, with the headlamp switch pulled halfway or all the way,
However I do have Radio lights with the ignition on but as soon as I pull out the headlamp switch half or all the way I have no radio lights the radio still works I just cant see the time or station?
Also I forgot to mention its a XLT model if that helps
thanks in advance
I have no dash lights at all, with the headlamp switch pulled halfway or all the way,
However I do have Radio lights with the ignition on but as soon as I pull out the headlamp switch half or all the way I have no radio lights the radio still works I just cant see the time or station?
Also I forgot to mention its a XLT model if that helps
thanks in advance
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
Here's a diagram. It's not for your year truck, but it's a good representation of what's going on.
You will see the lightblue/red feeds all the instrument lights. This should be true on your truck also.
I would check for 12 volts on one of the lightblue/red wires with a voltmeter or test light. Use a known good ground. If you get 12 volts, or the testlight lights, then find the ground that the instrument bulbs are using. See if you get anything there. If you don't then you know you have a bad ground somewhere like splice s201 or ground G103 in the diagram.
You will see the lightblue/red feeds all the instrument lights. This should be true on your truck also.
I would check for 12 volts on one of the lightblue/red wires with a voltmeter or test light. Use a known good ground. If you get 12 volts, or the testlight lights, then find the ground that the instrument bulbs are using. See if you get anything there. If you don't then you know you have a bad ground somewhere like splice s201 or ground G103 in the diagram.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Dededo, Guam
I had a problem with my dashb lights a while back too. Didn't matter if the switch was in parking lights or headlights. The entire dash was dark. The problem turned out to be a blown fuse in the fuse box. The fuse was the only 5 amp fuse in there. Fuse still looked good but my ohm meter confirmed it was dead.
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i had the same problem with my car. just ake sure that the wiresconnecting to the audio and the lights are connectec to the right place.
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Freshman User
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Just wondering, have you tried turning the headlight ****??? That is, Have the dash lights been dimmed?
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