simple dumb question...

[ouhick]

is there a bulb to light the instrument panel or is it in the headlight switch?

 

[Broncobowsher]

Headlight switch turns on the bulbs (multiple) in the gauge cluster. Twist the knob for brighter or dimmer.

 

[ouhick]

Thanks again.

 

[garberz]

There are three of them.

 

[DirtDonk]

And they're often burned out or not grounded properly when you people get a new-to-them Bronco. The ground issue pops up after one's been sitting a long time or in a moist environment.
If you're still young and flexible, you can twist your head up under there and pop the bulb sockets out to inspect/replace the bulbs. Just removing them and putting them back in will sometimes fix a connection issue, but in extreme cases, a separate ground jumper wire can be fabricated to mount between the instrument cluster housing and the body.
The screw holding the Constant Voltage Supply aka IVR (instrument voltage regulator) is a good spot on the cluster, and the body/firewall is a better ground than the dashboard itself.

Of course, that's just one of my long-winded ways of saying... "Turn the switch until the lights come on." or a reasonable facsimile thereof.
Then again, a bad headlight switch or wire can do it too. See? You just can't have too many possible explanations when it comes to Broncos!

Paul

 

[Broncobowsher]

There is also the gauge light fuse in the fuse panel. A short (bad wiring of aftermarket gauges in the past is very guilty of doing this) will blow that fuse. Even dirty contacts on the fuse holder are more possible problems.

If you have to work on the back of the gauge cluster it si often easier to go under the hood and remove the drivers side fresh air box. That gets you a handy access to the back of the cluster without having to fold yourself up to fit under the dash.

 

[ouhick]

awesome info thanks again.