Need help with instrument cluster
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Junior User
Joined: May 2010
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Need help with instrument cluster
Hello all. I just picked up a 1985 F250 a few weeks ago and Ive got a few things Im trying to fix on it but I cant figure it out. The person who sold haad taked the dash apart at somepoint and lost the plastic covers that went over the indicator lights at the top of the instrument cluster. Ive got one of the lights that flashes every so often and I dont know what it is. Ive tried to find a diagram of which light is which but I cant seem to find anything. Until I can find new lamp covers I was hoping someone could tell me what each light means other than the turn signals(those are the easy ones). Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,295
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From: NJ
My inclination is to say far right is brake. The brake switch is toggled by a pressure differential between front and rear circuits. If I'm correct that this is the brake like, you have a leak in your brake hydraulic system.
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You might want to check the E-brake mechanism if you think it's the brake light flashing. Usually the proportioning valve error light doesn't blink, it slides off center and stays there, unless the wire going to is is rubbing ground somewhere.
The 4x4 light could also blink if the wire going to the transfer case was rubbed through somewhere.
The 4x4 light could also blink if the wire going to the transfer case was rubbed through somewhere.
Methanoholic
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,442
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From: Maine (NorCal Native)
I have 3 bezels and all 3 are just like Archion's ... Two are 85-6, ones 84.
However, I do believe different options provide different indicators and positions.
I had this same problem on my 4x4 indicator and I think I just found the issue last night, there is a lite blue wire that comes out of the fire wall under the water separator and goes to the TC, I believe that is the 4x4 indicator wire (Anyone confirm this???), it had wedged itself between the inner fender and cab and shorted out.
I only found this because I pulled the clip last night.
(what a pain on the '86, took me two plus hours, it only took 38 minutes on the '91)
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
However, I do believe different options provide different indicators and positions.
I had this same problem on my 4x4 indicator and I think I just found the issue last night, there is a lite blue wire that comes out of the fire wall under the water separator and goes to the TC, I believe that is the 4x4 indicator wire (Anyone confirm this???), it had wedged itself between the inner fender and cab and shorted out.
I only found this because I pulled the clip last night.
(what a pain on the '86, took me two plus hours, it only took 38 minutes on the '91)
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
It's an add-on circuit that gets installed when4WD is installed. This bulb & circuit isn't handled by the printed circuit (that
handles most of the rest of the cluster - all but the Emissions light) but is
independently added.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,477
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From: Sheffield, AL
I just looked at the dash of my 1986 F150 2 wheel drive and it is the same as described by Archion.
Could it be the brake light occasionaly blinking due to the master cylinder fluid level being low?
As a point of interest with regard to our indicator lights for 1980-1986... my son's 1984 F150 has a position which appears to be a non-funtioning "upshift" light. It is an upward facing arrow. He is in the military and his truck is not here for me to check, but I am pretty sure the indicator is on the left side.
Could it be the brake light occasionaly blinking due to the master cylinder fluid level being low?
As a point of interest with regard to our indicator lights for 1980-1986... my son's 1984 F150 has a position which appears to be a non-funtioning "upshift" light. It is an upward facing arrow. He is in the military and his truck is not here for me to check, but I am pretty sure the indicator is on the left side.