Gauge cluster lights

[lewain]

I have read many threads concerning this can’t find my answer.
Here’s my problem. Gauge cluster and dash lights are out. When I check the small fuse I have no power at either side of the fuse. Does power come from my headlight switch to the fuse and then to the cluster lights?

 

[NicksTrix]

sure you didn't rotate headlight switch knob and turned them down?

 

[MitchE]

Fuse should be upstream of the switch
Check the back of the fuse box for any loose connections.
My PO did a bad job on this fuse power line and after a little sodder I got the lights back.

 

[MitchE]

Disconnect battery first

 

[DirtDonk]

No, in this case it is correct that the light switch is first, fuse second, lights third.
You won’t have power to the fuse until the light switch is pulled out to at least the first notch AND the rheostat is at least part of the way up.
If you’re not sure which way is “up” you can turn it fully one way and then the other until you feel the click.

If that’s what you did then the switch is probably bad.
It can be wires of course, but 99 times out of 100 it’s the switch.

 

[lewain]

No, in this case it is correct that the light switch is first, fuse second, lights third.
You won’t have power to the fuse until the light switch is pulled out to at least the first notch AND the rheostat is at least part of the way up.
If you’re not sure which way is “up” you can turn it fully one way and then the other until you feel the click.

If that’s what you did then the switch is probably bad.
It can be wires of course, but 99 times out of 100 it’s the switch.

Yes, this is what I thought. I have rotated the switch many times. Slow, fast, and even while trying to jiggle it. Well, I guess a new switch is in my future.

 

[lewain]

I don't know why I didn't think of this earlier. I should be able to apply power directly to the fuse and power up the lights correct?

 

[jmhend]

I don't know why I didn't think of this earlier. I should be able to apply power directly to the fuse and power up the lights correct?

.y stupid question is.... what changed? Is the bezel installed or out while troubleshooting? Do other lights work? Did you test power at the switch?

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[DirtDonk]

Yes, applying power directly to the fuse should illuminate all the lights on the dash. At full power two, so this should at least let you know that it’s not just a case of all the bulbs burned out.
But my way of thinking you have to be very careful to apply the power to the power side of the fuse and not the lamp side, so that you will retain the protection of the fuse should something go wrong.

What jm said might be the better way. Stick a probe from your volt-meter on the Blue w/red stripe wire at the switch connector to see if anything is coming out.
I don’t remember, but does the switch harness allow you to pull the light switch down so it’s hanging below the dash where you can easily get to it? I know you can do this with the ignition switch, but can’t remember for the light switch.
This would certainly make testing easier.

 

[DirtDonk]

I mentioned the bulbs being good, but that’s not even a question at this point since you don’t have power to the fuse to begin with. So that means that there is still a problem with something upstream from the fuse.
Which is either the switch, the connector, or the wire between it and the fuse.

As I think was asked already, when you pull the light switch out do the headlights and all the rest work? Brake lights work?

 

[lewain]

I mentioned the bulbs being good, but that’s not even a question at this point since you don’t have power to the fuse to begin with. So that means that there is still a problem with something upstream from the fuse.
Which is either the switch, the connector, or the wire between it and the fuse.

As I think was asked already, when you pull the light switch out do the headlights and all the rest work? Brake lights work?

Yes, everything else works fine when I pull the switch out. I went home at lunch and used a jumper wire to apply power to the line side of the fuse and all lights lit up. I have now ordered a new light switch with new LED bulbs.

 

[jmhend]

Yes, everything else works fine when I pull the switch out. I went home at lunch and used a jumper wire to apply power to the line side of the fuse and all lights lit up. I have now ordered a new light switch with new LED bulbs.

Great news. Electrical issues are always fun.

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