Dash Dimmer wire?
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 284
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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
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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.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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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
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