After 6 months with no dash lights, finally tore into that today and got it fixed. Found out last owner spliced the aftermarket radio into the blue-red wire that is supposed to illuminate the factory radio light. Re-routed the offending wire and changed 3 bulbs in the dash cluster - everything lights up now. New problem: My turn signals work fine with the lights off. With the lights on, the LH turn signal blinks really slow, but everything functions as it should other than that. With the lights on, the RH turn signal flashes very fast, but it knocks out my LH tail light completely. I checked fuse - good. I checked front marker light bulbs, tail light bulbs, and all 4 side marker light bulbs - changed 2 that were suspicious, but still working. All grounds were also cleaned and re-tightened at these connections. Since the emergency flashers were working fine with the lights on or off, I switched the metal flashers underneath the dash - no change. I also changed the headlight switch with another known good one that I had since it was handy, but it didn't do anything for it either. I ran the wiring underneath the truck as well, all looked good. I have another turn signal switch "just in case", any thoughts on this problem before I try it as well? Thanks for any advice, as far as I know this problem didn't exist before I fixed the dash lights today, but haven't checked everything for a few months.



1979 Ford F150 4x4 Short Bed
1969 Mustang Sportsroof
2001 Ford Escape 4x4 (sort of)

 

A little more information for you. When I hit the brakes, the LH tail light goes out (with the lights on).





1979 Ford F150 4x4 Short Bed
1969 Mustang Sportsroof
2001 Ford Escape 4x4 (sort of)

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 29-Oct-02 AT 11:58 PM (EST)]The tail lights are a separate circuit from the brake lights. I think they are connected together somehow. I would go over every inch of the wiring, particularly toward the rear lights. Let us know what you find.

 

Agreed. It sounds like one side is going through one of the turn signal lights (slow flash). Check for crossed wire color codes under that dash.
George
'87 F150 standard cab, 4.9L, Tremec 4 spd Manual, 4x2, 163,000 miles and counting.