My 1997 Aerostar has no dashboard lights. The switch doesn't turn on the dome light.

[Ski-Patroller]

All the sudden I have no dash lights. That includes the clock and radio, when the headlights are on. I checked the #13 Fuse and even though it appeared good, I replaced it. No Joy.

The only other thing I noticed is that I can't turn the Dome light on by twisting the headlight/dash light switch. As far as I can see everything else is working normally.

The only other thing is that I have had a Code Scanner hooked up for a a couple of hours and I did unplug it while the engine was running. The Scanner still works fine on the van, so I don't think that had anything to do with the dash lights.

I'm thinking the headlight/dash light switch decided it was time to die, but I'm looking for other suggestions before I try to take it out.

Does anyone know if the dome light and dash lights are fed by the same circuit? The dome light still works ok when I open a door, just not from the dash switch.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Check the switch for continuity, and the plug going into it. You could jump the connection in the plug in connector with a wire to see if the lights turn on.

 

[Ski-Patroller]

I have since found that the dash lights do turn on, but very very dim. The brightest position is barely visible. It is like I have a very poor connection to the switch, or a poor ground.

What is required to get the switch out.

 

[BrooklynBay]

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1160402-headlight-switch-connector-replacement-92-on.html

 

[Ski-Patroller]

Boy, That is not trivial. I need to verify that the problem is the switch before I try to replace it.

Thanks