Dash Dimmer wire?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 284
Likes: 1
From: Beaverton, Oregon
Dash Dimmer wire?
Hey all,
I'm installing some aftermarket gauges, and would like to wire the lights in them to the dash dimmer switch. I've tried to decypher the wiring diagram in my Haynes manual, but for my year (1986) the wire color for the dimmer is not listed (has it for 85, but it looks like 85 had a slightly different dash circuit board connector).
Anyways...does anyone know which wire coming off the dimmer switch controls the voltage to the dash lights? I don't want to crack out the volt meter if I don't have to....there's a lot of wires to check.
Oh..btw, this is an XL with tach.
Thanks all!
Dan Martin
1986 F350 1-Ton Dually Crew cab, 460, C6, 4.10:1 gears
I'm installing some aftermarket gauges, and would like to wire the lights in them to the dash dimmer switch. I've tried to decypher the wiring diagram in my Haynes manual, but for my year (1986) the wire color for the dimmer is not listed (has it for 85, but it looks like 85 had a slightly different dash circuit board connector).
Anyways...does anyone know which wire coming off the dimmer switch controls the voltage to the dash lights? I don't want to crack out the volt meter if I don't have to....there's a lot of wires to check.
Oh..btw, this is an XL with tach.
Thanks all!
Dan Martin
1986 F350 1-Ton Dually Crew cab, 460, C6, 4.10:1 gears
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,330
Likes: 17
From: Dryden, ON, Canada
Light blue with red tracer is the dash lighting power source. Lots of 'em behind the dash, just pull teh cap off and look around where you have your guages situated, I'm sure there'll be one close by to tap into
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 1
From: East Coast
I'd check to see which fuse is for dash lights. Then I'd get some fuse taps and just come off that. you should be able to tell from your books which fuse is for the lights, but a test light will be a good check. Also make sure you tap off the side after the fuse, not before, so the fuse will protect your new circuit.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 284
Likes: 1
From: Beaverton, Oregon
Actually I found an easy way once I got the right wire. If you take off the dash plate, there is a light right above the light/wiper switch that illuminates them. If you take out the screw that holds the metal bracket that the light is held by, and pull it out...suprise! It's the light blue/red wire!!! Tapped off of that, and put everything back together and it's working great! The gauges work perfectly and light up and dim with the other lights.
Thanks for all the help guys!
Dan
Thanks for all the help guys!
Dan
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
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
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
e30rik
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Dec 26, 2016 12:23 PM
duphofff
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Sep 6, 2015 05:43 AM