Dim Dash Lights!
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Dim Dash Lights!
I have a 1981 F150, 300 Six. My first question concerns the dash lights. They are DIM. They are hard to see at night, and turning the light switch changes the intensity, but they won't go high enough. My second question concerns the oil gauge in this truck.. It reads VERY HIGH at road speed, and when warm, drops to almost nothing when sitting at a stop-light. Is there a fix, or is it just "Worn-out"? Thanks for reading, and any help I can get.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
is the truck charging fully, like about a bout 3/4's to the right of the amp gauge. other than that try replacing the bulbs, mine glow the blueish green and light up without a prob.
That fact gauge means nuthin, install a mechanical oil presssure to check i out. mine reads high when started which is only 40lbs, high to me is like my firebird that pegged my 100lb gauge evry time i started it. Good luck finding any straight six with actual high oil pressure or alot of other ford engines. IT is just common, only a prob if it starts knocking, then throw a set of bearings in.
That fact gauge means nuthin, install a mechanical oil presssure to check i out. mine reads high when started which is only 40lbs, high to me is like my firebird that pegged my 100lb gauge evry time i started it. Good luck finding any straight six with actual high oil pressure or alot of other ford engines. IT is just common, only a prob if it starts knocking, then throw a set of bearings in.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 284
Likes: 1
From: Beaverton, Oregon
Mine got a lot brighter when I replaced the light switch (about $20 at NAPA). About 10 minutes to replace.
You may have a bad oil pressure sending unit. I'd replace that before tearing into the engine or the dash board.
Dan Martin
1986 F350 Crewcab Dually, 460, C6
You may have a bad oil pressure sending unit. I'd replace that before tearing into the engine or the dash board.
Dan Martin
1986 F350 Crewcab Dually, 460, C6
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 9,176
Likes: 4
From: Western Central NV
I have the same problem, and I also changed the light switch with no results, all I can figure is taking the dash apart and cleaning all the bulbs etc. This has been this way for seven years so I guess someday.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 390
Likes: 0
From: Rose City, MI
i took my dash out and removed the little blue caps from the bulbs. it made the gauges easyer to read but now they are orangeish in color. just a thought one could use a different colored bulb to make it light up with a different color. just a thought
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
From: NE Oklahoma
Trending Topics
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: New Mexico
I have the same problem(s)
I changed all the bulbs in my panel and cleaned it up a touch.
Helped a little bit but not much Also sprayed the hands with new Floresent highlights Model Spray Paint also helped. Guess that there wasnt the need to see the panel in the 80's Gas was about $1.00 cheaper.
My oil guage also reads high but drops just a little at idel and an old timer told me that it is better to have preasure even high than none at all.
I am still watching it cause this old boy is my only means of transport.
Good luck,
Mike
I changed all the bulbs in my panel and cleaned it up a touch.
Helped a little bit but not much Also sprayed the hands with new Floresent highlights Model Spray Paint also helped. Guess that there wasnt the need to see the panel in the 80's Gas was about $1.00 cheaper.
My oil guage also reads high but drops just a little at idel and an old timer told me that it is better to have preasure even high than none at all.
I am still watching it cause this old boy is my only means of transport.
Good luck,
Mike
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition
Brett Foote
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition
Joe Kucinski
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
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
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
droppedf100
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
11
Sep 22, 2013 08:35 AM
johnmel59
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Aug 4, 2013 04:24 PM
Finnford
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
May 21, 2003 02:46 PM