Guys, My Aerostar has recently developed an odd problem. Not really a problem, per se, but it has never done this before...

1987 Aerostar XLT. Digital Dash. The past few days, when driving, the MPH numbers have gotten dim. Before, they were a very bright green color, and it would display the speed in whatever MPH I'm driving as typical for a digital dash.

Now during the day, both the speed display and the guages themselves are noticeablly dimmer. Engine performance is normal. Temp Alt. Oil Pressure all normal, except somewhat harder to see, almost like there is some kind of power drain?

Then, the next day, at cold start-up, engine starts and digital display is bright green, as normal. Then while driving, the display gets slowly dimmer, but engine still runs fine. Turn signals flash normal (turn signal indicator arrow is still bright green, must be on a different circuit?) Headlights, taillights all are bright and normal with engine running.

Any ideas? Thanks everyone.

 

Ed-I think your problems lies in the bulbs/circuit board in the back. It is the simple plasitic sheet layout with the copper metal running through it. My electronic 94 Eddie Baurer 4'whl dr. extended went this route last year right before my transfer case went out. I forgot about it in that time and now that I've repaired in and am driving it---OH YEAH--I REMEMBER YOU--I peeled the dash board away and I found when I got to the back was 2 burnt out bulbs. They weakened the over-all view of the instrumentation. I assumed that there would "NOT" lighting if a bulb was bad. Now I see what was going on. As the element in the bulbs were weakening "going bad" less current going through the metal contacts. The bulbs rest in a small plastic screw and when you half twist them they go into the back of the dash but are also sandwhiched through the plastic sheet circuit card. Take a look and you'll see this to be true. They aren't too costly. What I do Ed is while I'm at the salvage yards I pull any Aerostar's or simply that time of Ford's year dash off. They are all the same size. I grabbed a hand full and the guy at the counter just said-"FINE"--Just take them. They know you'll either buy something or the act of letting you have them will draw you back and their right. I hope I have helped.---Bye Boz

 

BOZ, EXCELLENT suggestion, kind sir, and it makes perfect sense! I shall do just as you suggested.

I have had that instrument pod off several years ago, so I know how to access the dash area.

I never have been a big fan of digital dashes, but that was all the rage and big "thing" when the Aerostar was factory fresh and new. I know Fords and other makes did similar things as well, in the late 80s, ect. Same with when my digital display burned out on my Ford factory AM-Fm-Cassette radio, I had to pull and replace the bulb (radio worked okay, but I could not see what station I was on, or the time)

Again thanks for your reply. Of course before I do this, I will disconnect my negative ground cable on the battery.

Ed

 

I would replace all of those bulbs with the direct fit LEDs. They last longer, consume less power, and create less heat. In some cases they are brighter too.

 

BEAR -- Another EXCELLENT idea!!! Thank You. I am a big fan of LED lighting, and how LEDs are better in nearly every way as compared to incandescents.

Thanks Bear. LEDs it is...

Ed

PS There is a excellent company in Torrance, CA I received a catalog from them maybe 2 years ago. They had more LED lighting available for home and automotive use than I ever knew existed.