Instrument cluster lights not working?

Tiny
BURGELOU
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD
  • 4.9L
  • V8
  • RWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 28,000 MILES
Last month the dash lights went out on my wife's car. All of the warning lights and cabin lights work. There is just no backlight for the instrument cluster and she can't see how fast she's going at night. I've pulled the instrument cluster and there is no way to get to any bulbs from the back. Before I open the instrument cluster, can the bulbs be replaced or does the cluster have to be replaced? Or is there something else that could be causing the problem?
Wednesday, May 27th, 2015 AT 7:54 AM

13 Replies

Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Hi

We need to check fuses #33 and #14 here is a guide to help with the fuse locations below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Wednesday, May 27th, 2015 AT 8:35 AM
Tiny
BURGELOU
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you it was the fuse all fixed, I love this site.
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Thursday, May 28th, 2015 AT 6:16 PM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Nice work, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.
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Friday, May 29th, 2015 AT 8:26 AM
Tiny
HUT55
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 46,000 MILES
How do I reset the air bag light on the dash?
The light comes on when you start the car flash's a few times then stays on. I think the system needs to be reset.
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Monday, September 16th, 2019 AT 4:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TIGGERCUFFS
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
It is there to report a fault with the air bag system, have a trained professional check it, you may have a faulty air bag deployment system.
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Monday, September 16th, 2019 AT 4:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MYFORDKEEPSMEBROKE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
My mistake the tailights do not come on and neither do the dashboard lights

I figure its probably a fuse but I dont have the owners manual. What I was able to find online it did not list the taillights as being hooked to the fuse. How can I check which fuse it is?

Also I think I may have incorrectly placed a fuse while I was trying to find out which one it is. I desperately need a diagram for my fuse box. I also need to know which fuse is going to get my taillights working. Lastly I need to know if its not a fuse what else it might be
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Monday, September 16th, 2019 AT 4:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Hi
Faults powered and fused differently. Do head lights work? Will instrument lights come on when dimmer turned all the way? see diagram of fuse ledgend maybe a little small


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/198357_Graphic_228.jpg


Let me know
Thanks for donate
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Monday, September 16th, 2019 AT 4:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MYFORDKEEPSMEBROKE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yes the headlights work. Everything in the dashboard works, just not the backlight illumination. For example the blinker light signal. Also my blinker lights work, my brake lights work just not my taillights.

And the final kicker I found out by accident today. When I click the lock button on my remote lock and the car beeps indicating its locked the taillights light up. Any help greatly appreciated.

Also thanks for the diagram but i'm still not sure which fuse I would need to check for the taillights thanks
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Monday, September 16th, 2019 AT 4:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Most likely the head lamp switch. Acess switch check for voltage on Brown wire. If none then switch faulty
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Monday, September 16th, 2019 AT 4:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JHUMPHR9
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I'm having the exact same problem on a 97 T-bird with 165k miles.

I replaced the switch and still no luck.

With the headlight switch in park, there should be voltage between the brown wire and ground, but I get zero.

I have the Ford shop manual, and it says "Service Circuit 14"

But I don't know where to go from here. Please help!
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Monday, September 16th, 2019 AT 4:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
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Check for voltage on Tan/White wire at switch. If not present then check I/P fuse PKL/LPS and Tan/White wire off fuse.
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Monday, September 16th, 2019 AT 4:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JHUMPHR9
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I checked the fuse visually and it looked ok ( I had already checked this fuse before)

Then I checked it with a ohmmeter it showed that the fuse was bad!

Replaced the fuse and everything works great again!

Thank you Docfixit!
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Monday, September 16th, 2019 AT 4:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
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The ohm meter never lies be here if you need further help
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Monday, September 16th, 2019 AT 4:42 PM (Merged)

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