Instrument Cluster no lights 96 Explorer 5.0v8

[penske2584]

I bought my Explorer with no dash lights. No big deal because I drive during day and know rpms and flow of traffic.

=The fuse for illumination is good.
=The map lights and overhead lights in the truck are working.
=All warning lights work.

Issue:
=No lights on for spedo, odometer, or the other 4 indication gauges.

I would like to ask before I remove the entire cluster if there might be a circuit that is tripped, not grounded or blown.

Where do I start?

 

[koda2000]

problem could be with the dimmer switch. I believe that if it were a circuit problem, you wouldn't have tail lights or tag lights either.

 

[CDW6212R]

Do the interior lights come on at all either, with any door open? If it is both the dash and the interior lights, the manual dimmer switch is off, next to the headlight switch.

 

[penske2584]

Do the interior lights come on at all either, with any door open? If it is both the dash and the interior lights, the manual dimmer switch is off, next to the headlight switch.

CDW6212R: The map lights, back lights and all door lights do come on when door opens. It seems isolated in dash. Mainly the lights that illuminate the spedo, odometer etc. The warning lights work just not the illumination part.

 

[penske2584]

problem could be with the dimmer switch. I believe that if it were a circuit problem, you wouldn't have tail lights or tag lights either.

I will find a way to test the dimmer switch by multimeter or just get another one and put it in. The dimmer works to adjust the radio light. When you push it all the way up, it turns the cab lights on.

If replacing it doesnt work, maybe its the bulbs in cluster or a ground. Thats what I'm down to unless you or someone else might have something else to try.

I would like to add that I do have blown fog lamps and one blown reverse light because of water. The previous owner never fixed these. I found them to not work before I bought it. Don't know if this would short out anything but Ive seen weird things before.

I have tested relays...
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=388477

 

[CDW6212R]

That does sound like a wiring issue, one open connection or a burned through wire, if the fuses are all good. If the truck got into high water, that could cause anything. But the fog and reverse lights will having no connection to the dash lights.

 

[penske2584]

That does sound like a wiring issue, one open connection or a burned through wire, if the fuses are all good. If the truck got into high water, that could cause anything. But the fog and reverse lights will having no connection to the dash lights.

Thanks! yeah the fog lights were cracked glass. going to replace them. back tail light has a hole in it so it lets water in. covered it with clear tape until I get new/used ones with no leaks.

I will check the electrical schematics and check continuity sooner or later. Going to check power to the panel to see if any is going.

 

[penske2584]

I stopped in at the yard today and picked up the circuit behind the cluster and all the bulbs. I removed the board with circuits also. Not sure what that is called. (F67F-I0C956-DC) Going to check all bulbs behind the cluster tomorrow. First I will pop in the board and check all resistors.

 

[penske2584]

Replaced all bulbs in the dash. Replaced circuit board and plastic circuit piece also. All back together and no change. All mini bulbs operate. The main 5 or 6 dimmer dash lights do not work. Going to trace back the wiring. No idea of the diagram to look at. NEone know where to find that? Thought I had one. All running lights work. Fog lights do not. One reverse light out now. Roll dimmer all the way up and dome lights work. Still no dimmer for the dash or any illumination. Fuses are good. Wiring has to be bad. I have had other wiring issues in it.

 

[Wolfrom64]

wiring diagrams can be found at EBSCOhost, login: rrcc password: rebsco

 

[RomeovilleIL]

Does the illumination work on the radio and hvac controls?

 

[penske2584]

Followed all wiring. There has to be a broken wire without being cut?

New Issues:
I now have dash lights! Also my fuel and battery gauges are pegged. My radio comes on but no sound.

Same Issue:
Cig lighter still does not work. Im thinking it doesnt have anything to do with the problem but I have no idea.

Im going to take everything apart and check connection clips. Im going to reassemble without plugging in cig lighter. Then I will put in a cig lighter from another vehicle.

Going to pull the two gauges out and make sure they work separately. Ive had this before but I cant remember what it was. This kind of shop work would break my wallet wouldnt it?
[MENTION=156936]RomeovilleIL[/MENTION] - Yes all dimmer lights were working but the 6-8 main bulbs in gauge panel.