71 F100 Gauge issues
Thread Starter
|
Trailering
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 24
Likes: 5
71 F100 Gauge issues
Looking for some help again on gauge issues with a 71 F100. Gauges were working ok until we pulled instrument cluster to replace speedometer cable. Made the mistake of unplugging the harness from the cluster to remove it for more working space. Reassembled and now none of the gauges work. Checked harness and it seems to be plugged in all the way. Could it be a fuse? Missed a ground wire somewhere? Bad IVR?
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 308
Likes: 39
From: Homer, NY
BE GENTILE. That printed circuit is so easily damaged. I used 0000 steel wool to clean the connectors on the plug. I did the same on the printed circuit, but really really lightly. Your bottom left tab on the circuit is mangled. Carefully work that back into place using toothpicks or a dental pick. You can use dielectric grease to help keep it in place. One of those printed circuits is for the"batt" light for the charging system. Damage to that will disable the charging system. I diagnosed that in my truck years ago. Good luck
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,853
Likes: 607
From: Minnesota
Do as Makeryguy suggested. Re-align the the tabs on the Gauge Cluster so they line up with the connector. Be gentle.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Trailering
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 24
Likes: 5
Will do. Good suggestion on the dielectric grease to hold those little tabs. There’s not a lot of slack in that harness assembly so plugging it in is tough 😀
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 294
Likes: 48
From: Southern Ontario
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,853
Likes: 607
From: Minnesota
I am about to install a Painless Wiring harness. I have a Cluster out of an F500 I am using but will be making the wires longer like you suggested. The only plus is that the wiring on the F500 Cluster is a hard connector not the flimsy plastic printed circuit.
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 294
Likes: 48
From: Southern Ontario
I have a 67 F100, with the hard connectors as well. The next time the cluster comes out I will likely lengthen the wires.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,391
Likes: 106
From: COSMOS
Dielectric grease hinders conductivity! It is to seal around a connection, not between it. It's purpose is to seal against water.
Thread Starter
|
Trailering
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 24
Likes: 5
Hi guys - Update on the instrument cluster. We’ve tried the great suggestions to no avail. Going to rebuild it - new circuit board, new IVR. Any suggestions on finding the dash lights? I saw a post where someone used LED dash lights but didn’t say where they got them.
undecided on extending that wiring harness. Probably makes it easier but also looks like a pain 😀
undecided on extending that wiring harness. Probably makes it easier but also looks like a pain 😀
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 294
Likes: 48
From: Southern Ontario