Instrument cluster wont light up, changed headlight switch, HELP

[Blown4v]

I just got finished changing the headlight switch in hopes of fixing the dash lights, but it didnt work. Also the AC controls dont light up either, but stereo lights up and every exterior light works and dome light.

I have searched but have found no one with a solid answer, i need help. thanks

 

[ksigatmsu7f02]

Check power at the switch for the dimmer circuit....if it has power check that it comes out when you turn the switch on and turn the knob for the dimmer....

If it has power in and doesn't have power coming out....its a bad switch....even if its new...if none coming in then you probably have a fuse blown....if it has it coming in and going out....trace wires bahind dahs and find the short....check continuity going out with the ground to test for a short....if you don't have one go get you a cheap voltmeter and start testing...

 

[CrazyPerson]

have you freshly installed a stereo? my cluster would not work and kept popping fuses and it was the dimmer wire that goes to the stereo it kept grounding out on the frame since i didnt hook it up.

 

[crazycarlo]

im having this same exact problem man. The blinker switch is the actual "dimmer switch" so the aut websites say you may try that. Im wanting to try it also esp since you said the headlight switch didnt work. Kepp us updated.

 

[Blown4v]

have never touched the stereo, I did the headlight switch last night, so today I guess I'm going to go get a turn signal switch and see if that fixes it. If not, I'll have a friend trace circuits and what not, he's an A&P mech, he'll get it figured out if I cant

 

[crazycarlo]

yeah I use to ba an avionics tech in the navy on tomcats. last thing I wann do is chase wires. hopefully that blinker switch works for ya.

 

[slowr w/o blowr]

look down at your fuse panel. There is a fuse down there for dash lights. I tied into it when i ran my phantom 2 gauges. I believe it is on the right side (towards middle) row of fuses, or its on the second row.

 

[crazycarlo]

ok ill check it out cause honestly I havnt even checked my fuses.

 

[jmotank]

interesting..... i'm having this exact same problem on my 05 focus st.

 

[Blown4v]

i am an idiot, i have been checking the wrong fuse. changed it, now dash works

 

[crazycarlo]

which fuse did you check? What number and where?

 

[slowr w/o blowr]

Just use your test light to see what fuse only has power on one side.

 

[slowr w/o blowr]

check the fuse panel by the pedal assembly

 

[SoldierSnake]

LOL glad to hear you got it squared away and didnt listen to me and get a dimmer switch!

 

[crazycarlo]

diff post man he did buy the dimmer switch. I still havnt bought anything for it yet.

 

[ksigatmsu7f02]

i am an idiot, i have been checking the wrong fuse. changed it, now dash works

I can't tell you how many times I tried reading that tiny print on any number of cars and checked the wrong fuse a hundred times before coming to the conclusion I was dumb or blind....atleast its working....

 

[crazycarlo]

haha mine ended up being a blown fue also. The number 5 to be exact.

 

[cobraman1024]

soooooo.........what blew the fuses in the above 2 cars? Hopefully you found that problem that caused the fuse to blow in the first place, otherwise, keep a box of fuses handy......

 

[Blown4v]

I can't tell you how many times I tried reading that tiny print on any number of cars and checked the wrong fuse a hundred times before coming to the conclusion I was dumb or blind....atleast its working....

i finally put in my handy dandy ford service manual dvd, and found the right fuse instantly