Dim Dash Lights!
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Joined: Apr 2004
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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.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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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
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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
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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.
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Joined: Jun 2003
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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
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From: NE Oklahoma
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Joined: Mar 2004
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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
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