Dashboard/instrument lights dead, help?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 26
From: NJ
Dashboard/instrument lights dead, help?
I just completed a 460 swap in my '86 F-250 Supercab and was installing my gauges in the factory instrument panel bezel. Got them in and tapped gauge lights to the dash light terminal of the headlight switch. Now no dash lights at all, and factory gauges don't work. I have 12v at fuse #4 (instrument lights, and other lighting). Any ideas?
FTE Legend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 56,542
Likes: 0
From: In my own world
there's a 5 amp fuse in the fuse box, it is only hot when the lights are on. check that and it may be your problem. if not you have to take the headlight switch out, and look at the harness where it pliugs in. they get hot, and usually the dash lights are 1st to go.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Given that this problem began when you messed with the wiring, methinks either you blew
one or more fuses (as was mentioned) and/or you're tapped into the wrong circuit. What
color was the wire you tapped into? It should be light blue/red stripe.
one or more fuses (as was mentioned) and/or you're tapped into the wrong circuit. What
color was the wire you tapped into? It should be light blue/red stripe.
New User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 20
Likes: 1
From: Cairns, Australia
My instrument panel lights failed a little while ago. I checked out fuse 13 and it appeared OK so checked the fuse box with the multimeter. When I stuck the probe into the fuse holder, the metal tags that contact the fuse just fell out as they had corroded through! I bought an accessory fuse holder, removed the wires from the standard box, and hooked them through the new holder and I have dash lights once again. They're still really dim, so I'll pull the instrument panel out and take the covers off the bulbs.
Jim
Jim
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
I would try to get some wire end terminals for your fuse panel. Ford used these same fuse panels for a lot of years, so they should have the terminals you need to fix the problem to where it looks like it never happend.
