no lights in guages
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: tx
no lights in guages
ok i have a 71 f100 and for some strange reason my dash lights just wont work. every once in a while when i hit a bump they will kinda flicker but thats it so i was wondering if it was my cluster or if there is something else i should check. ive checked all the wires and theres no brakes and there all hooked up but i dont know if theres some secert switch hidden down there or what. i figured someone here would have had this problem and would know how to fix it.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 984
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Pull your gauge cluster out, and check the plug for tightness. Keep in mind, it'll be a pain to remove and then re-install the speedo cable, but once that's out of the way, the cluster comes out relatively easy. I've owned several of these trucks, some came with a hard wired gauge cluster, others used a circuit board. You might simply have loose bulbs, could be a broken wire, or could even be your headlight switch, or the wires running from it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
It's probably your headlight switch. Have you tried rotating it?? If it is difficult to turn or sounds like gravel...it needs replaced. Does your interior light come on when you rotate the switch?? It usually will still work, but the wound wire resistor that controls the dimming of dash lights usually is faulty.
If you remove the switch from under dash, usually you can see the wire on the back of switch. There is a small wiper arm that rotates around it. It is most likely corroded, broke, etc. Very typical problem.
If you remove the switch from under dash, usually you can see the wire on the back of switch. There is a small wiper arm that rotates around it. It is most likely corroded, broke, etc. Very typical problem.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 563
Likes: 0
From: Texas Hill Country
Originally Posted by Freightrain
It's probably your headlight switch. Have you tried rotating it?? If it is difficult to turn or sounds like gravel...it needs replaced. Does your interior light come on when you rotate the switch?? It usually will still work, but the wound wire resistor that controls the dimming of dash lights usually is faulty.
If you remove the switch from under dash, usually you can see the wire on the back of switch. There is a small wiper arm that rotates around it. It is most likely corroded, broke, etc. Very typical problem.
If you remove the switch from under dash, usually you can see the wire on the back of switch. There is a small wiper arm that rotates around it. It is most likely corroded, broke, etc. Very typical problem.
Larry, what's the best source for a new headlight switch? I'm struggling with the rice burner replacements that the local parts houses sell... I know I can go ask them myself, but it's a boring Sunday afternoon (golf doesn't start for a week and it's raining)... but does Ford still carry these?
Thanks!
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,691
Likes: 6
When I first got my truck running I thought my lights were out and then I accidentally turned the headlight switch and the lights went on just like they're supposed to. I had them off. The headlight switch is also a dimmer that you can turn back and forth clockwise and counterclockwise. Rule that one out. If they come on when you hit a bump then you have a dirty connection somewhere and its probably a ground. Pull that dash out and get to cleaning. I had the same thing with a headlight on an old Volvo. I had an idiot mechanic work on it for 3 days and he kept replacing things and it turned out to be a dirty ground connection.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver,USA
I'll go with what Freightrain says,and I frequently do. Some day,I 'll replace that thing....or not. 
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New User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: New Orleans, LA
It is more than likely a problem with the headlight switch. You can get a new quality American made switch from NAPA for less than $30.oo.
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