Instrument panel illumination problem

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 3, 2004 | 04:53 AM

HarriN

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 14

Likes: 0

Instrument panel illumination problem

Hi.

I just brought my -91 Aerostar. It is XLT Eddie Bauer, with 4.0 engine + 4WD. Few weeks went without any problem, and owner was happy as a child in x-mas eve :-)

Yesterday all instrument panel lights went off. Electronic cluster, heater switch illumination, trip-computer, shifter illumination....all. No lights.

Checked fuses, and found blown 5A fuse (for electronic cluster), replacement fuse blows as soon I turned ignition switch. I also checked parklights fuse was ok. After putting another 5A fuse for illumination it did not blow again.

Now I have 2 choices:
1) take out fuse for parking lights and I have illuminated cluster
2) let the fuse alone and no illumination for cluster

And for option 1, only electronic cluster and trip computer gets lights but heater switch and shifter doesn't.

Has anybody had same problem or problem alike? And suggestions for where to look?

Light switch is checked. And all other switches from left-side panel that they work as expected and illumination lights works. Under dashboard all wiring harnesses seemsto be ok, no burns no cracks etc...

Nov 3, 2004 | 10:17 AM

rickm5

Senior User

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 403

Likes: 0

From: cincinnati hamilton

is that the correct amp fuse for that location? i think it is marked on the cover for the fuse box, or listed in the owners manual.if it is, then you have a short somewhere. has to be close to or at the box if it is affecting so many lights ( ithink) are there any accessories hooked on to it? extra lights that might be overloading it? just my 2 cents worth.

rick

91 aerostar xl ext 4.0 L
208,648 miles and going.........

Nov 3, 2004 | 02:05 PM

HarriN

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 14

Likes: 0

Solved (partially)

Just checked rheostat and found out that it is full of SMD electronics. Quick hunt of which wire from connector goes where and made one jumper-wire and we have illumination working.....partly.....cannot dim instrument lights and cannot switch interior dome lights on from rheostat.

Have to go to dealer and ask how much $$$ i have to pay for new rheostat. Checked all domestic junkyards and found none which has ever heard about Aerostar....

Nov 3, 2004 | 04:51 PM

tom_foreman

Elder User

Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 624

Likes: 0

From: Georgia

Hey, I like the signature line. I may use it myself.

Nov 4, 2004 | 06:27 AM

HarriN

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 14

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom_foreman

Hey, I like the signature line. I may use it myself.

Mine?

Sure.

Nov 4, 2004 | 11:14 AM

tom_foreman

Elder User

Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 624

Likes: 0

From: Georgia

I was going to try it on someone and realized that I need to write it or type it. You just can't say it without giving it away. You know... how do you say 10 in binary?