Instrument lights not working..
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2007
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Instrument lights not working..
So what are the odds that every single bulb in my instrument panel is burnt out? One of the turn signal indicators lights up, and the climate control lights are on, thats it, nothing else is lit. Also the gauges work for the most part, just the lights don't. The truck was a farm truck, so it was maintained as operational at best. Actually when I checked the lights, the only lights that were on was the headlights and tail lights..well one tail light anyway.
New User
Joined: Nov 2007
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Corrosion
What I found out with my "new" 1979 F100 is that the contacts were corroded. Dismantle the instrument panel so that you can reach behind and then twist them back and forth several times. They are pretty dim so you will have to do this at night. This will scratch away the rust and they will begin working! I think there are 4 plus the turn signals.
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2007
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I checked the **** that you mention. That is what made me realize that the lights around the heat/AC worked. I will dismantle the cluster as soon as I get a chance. What would be the best thing to use to clean the corrosion on the circuit?
Also I checked all of the exterior lights, they all were either loose or burnt. They work fine now.
The truck is a 77 F250
Also I checked all of the exterior lights, they all were either loose or burnt. They work fine now.
The truck is a 77 F250
New User
Joined: Nov 2005
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If no corroded terminals are found, what would be another thing to check? I am having the same problem with my 77 f100. But I have absolutely NO lights on the dash. If I had any hair I would've pulled it out by now!
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,037
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From: Kasson, Minnesota
You could first make sure you have power at the blue/red striped wire that Mi1ion stated. If you have power, than you can isolate it to the printed circuit that is being discussed. I would still clean the printed circuit, get new bulbs and see what happens. If you have power at the wire, your light switch should be good and you may need a new printed circuit.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: dayton,tx
I have a 77 and have the same problem. I found out that my problem is the mounting cluster is so brittle that when you try to twist lamp socket into position the cluster will fall to pieces. You might check this out.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Colorful Colorado
I was having the same issue and smacked the top of dash and the lights all work now.
"o)
I will probably be cleaning soon too.
"o)
I will probably be cleaning soon too.
Last edited by BigGrizz76; Nov 6, 2007 at 12:59 PM. Reason: spelling error
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 275
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I just happen to fix mine today. I replaced the bulbs AND cleaned all of the contacts with "Never Dull". Works really well. The only thing I couldn't fix was the clouded gauge cover. Tried tooth paste and a plastic cleaner, de-scratcher, de-clouder. Didn't really work.