Half the dashboard lights working..

[blackout881]

Bought the truck a year ago, 98 explorer, love it. Only one light at the top of the speedometer wasnt working when i bought it, no big deal. slowly the whole right side of the dash where the gauges are went out one by one. I got angry and punched the dash, and they all turned back on! all was good for a couple months until they went out again, so i punched it again, and they turned on. Over the next couple months i repeated this process, until now. No matter how hard i hit the damn thing they stay off lol. Its getting to the point as to where i cant see how fast im driving at night. Basicly i would like to know, does this sound like a loose connection somewhere? where should i start looking to try to fix the problem? Not sure if the dash needs to be ripped apart to replace the bulbs because i dont think the bulbs are burnt out...oh well, i just dont really know where to start with this one so any advice would be helpful!

thanks

 

[blackout881]

absolutely the worst forum ive ever been on.

 

[JoeMahma]

Bought the truck a year ago, 98 explorer, love it. Only one light at the top of the speedometer wasnt working when i bought it, no big deal. slowly the whole right side of the dash where the gauges are went out one by one. I got angry and punched the dash, and they all turned back on! all was good for a couple months until they went out again, so i punched it again, and they turned on. Over the next couple months i repeated this process, until now. No matter how hard i hit the damn thing they stay off lol. Its getting to the point as to where i cant see how fast im driving at night. Basicly i would like to know, does this sound like a loose connection somewhere? where should i start looking to try to fix the problem? Not sure if the dash needs to be ripped apart to replace the bulbs because i dont think the bulbs are burnt out...oh well, i just dont really know where to start with this one so any advice would be helpful!

thanks

From your two posts it sounds like an anger management issue.

 

[Steeda90GT]

ziiiiinnnggggg

In all seriousness, it's most likely the bulbs. You have to remove the cluster to replace them. I believe there's a thread on here with a "how to" pictures and all.

 

[97WHTXLT]

I just pulled the cluster out of mine last night. Not too bad really. There were some irritating times when I was trying not to break or scratch anything, but I got it out. Just be real careful when touching the back of it. You could have knocked something loose hitting (I've done it before, ha). Mine was dark b/c all of the big bulbs were blown. You have to loosen the e-brake and hood levers and unbolt the lower plastic piece and metal support thing. Just be careful pulling the bezel out. You kind of have to work with it. I thought I was going to break mine!