1998 Explorer XLT no Interior lights and dashboard

[ItyBityAngel]

Hi! Glad I found your forum!
I have a 98 and I've had a couple of problems. First after updating dashboard, gas meter not working, couldn't keep AC on, and now you have to disconnect the battery otherwise ding ding ding continuously and now no dash lights. Now I'm the owner and husband is the mechanic.35 yrs of turning wrench semi, motorcycle..different brands and he's kept her alive.Can anyone help?
Thank you
Angel

 

[J_C]

Welcome to the forum!

What does "updating dashboard" mean? I'd take it back off and double check all work and connections.

What does "couldn't keep AC on", mean? Do you have automatic or manual climate control? Again I would wonder about the electrical connections.

Having to disconnect the battery to stop dinging sound makes me wonder about one of the door latch switches, so it is odd if this just started happening after doing work on the dash.

Dash lights, again I wonder about disturbed electrical connections and would take it back apart and check those, particularly to the control wheel to the left of the instrument cluster. Is it only the dash lights out, or all night-time illumination that comes on with the headlights? If all other lights work then it it is probably the dash connection rather than the control wheel.

If you swapped in LED bulbs for the dash, remember that they need to have the correct polarity to illuminate.