Dash lights not working
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New User
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Dash lights not working
hi everyone,
My problem is my dash lights arent working but my interior light is. Ive checked my fuses and they are all good, ive checked the actual switch and nothing seems to be wrong with it either. Does this sound like the light(s) behind the dash are burnt out? has anyone else had this problem?
Thanks
My problem is my dash lights arent working but my interior light is. Ive checked my fuses and they are all good, ive checked the actual switch and nothing seems to be wrong with it either. Does this sound like the light(s) behind the dash are burnt out? has anyone else had this problem?
Thanks
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2009
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my switch is messed up, so if i pull my **** all the way out my dash and parking lights wont work, i have to mess with mine for a while to get it all to work right... a switch is only 20 bucks i just gotta find time to order one
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Ohio
Did you recently change the stereo? The instrument lights, I believe, are all on a common ground. If you check the switch, and it checks good, look for a short in the ground...AFTER you triple check the positive circuit.
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I checked the actual lights behind the dash and they seemed fine. Yes i do have tail lights. Nope i havent done anything to the stereo everything is completely stock.... Everything worked completely fine until one day the lights to illuminate my dash stopped working. Im thinking the only thing left to do is change out the whole headlight switch and hopefully this solves my problem.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
Sometimes the plug connecting the switch melts and contact is lost.
Replacement plugs with pigtail wires are commonly available in the aftermarket.
I've posted the part numbers before.
The other thing that may happen is that the wirewound potentiometer (variable resistor) at the back of the switch can break, or the little spring metal ear that makes contact with it can break, bend, or otherwise come adrift.
I'd bet on the plug.
Let me see if I can dig up that post.
Replacement plugs with pigtail wires are commonly available in the aftermarket.
I've posted the part numbers before.
The other thing that may happen is that the wirewound potentiometer (variable resistor) at the back of the switch can break, or the little spring metal ear that makes contact with it can break, bend, or otherwise come adrift.
I'd bet on the plug.
Let me see if I can dig up that post.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
I'm assuming this is for your 1988 F-150, you didn't say...
Most autoparts should have it or can cross this number to another brand.
Pico 5311PT 1987-1993 Ford "F" Trucks Dash Headlight Switch Nine Lead Wiring Pigtail.
Hope this helps.
.
Most autoparts should have it or can cross this number to another brand.
Pico 5311PT 1987-1993 Ford "F" Trucks Dash Headlight Switch Nine Lead Wiring Pigtail.
Hope this helps.
.
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New User
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yeah it is for my 88. I havent had time to look at it again but tomorrow i will be taking my dash apart again. So what your saying is that the plug is probably no good anymore? Thanks for the help
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pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
In many cases the heat from the dimmer and corrosion of the contacts melts the plug or makes the old plastic very brittle.
That's why they sell a replacement plug.
As I said, the switch could be bad in the back. But you will be able to tell when you pull it out.
Since you have had the dash apart before it would be worth checking that the other end of the harness is firmly seated in the back of the cluster.
That's why they sell a replacement plug.
As I said, the switch could be bad in the back. But you will be able to tell when you pull it out.
Since you have had the dash apart before it would be worth checking that the other end of the harness is firmly seated in the back of the cluster.
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New User
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The plug itself looks fine and nothing seems to be wrong with it. Im going to go to a scrap yard and try and get the whole switch and plug together sometime this week. Hopefully this will solve my problem
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
The brown wire is variable current for the dash lights.
Can you check for current coming out of the switch when it's turned right up to the stop?
Maybe you can trace it and look for an open or short?
Can you check for current coming out of the switch when it's turned right up to the stop?
Maybe you can trace it and look for an open or short?
New User
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Farmersville, TEXAS!
I am having the exact same problem with my '91 F250... I believe my problem started one day when I was turning on my headlights via the switch and I heard a tiny "pop" noise followed by a tiny metallic sound as if something like a washer had popped off and fell off the backside of the switch. My headlights still work but no interior/dash lights now. My guess is that I/we need a new switch. Good luck!
