All instrument panel lights are out

GIFTHORSE

MEMBER
2000 FORD MUSTANG
3.8L
V6
2WD
MANUAL
190,000 MILES

I have a the car listed above that was given to me that has no instrument panel lights working. I have replaced both the dimmer switch (the ceramic wheel was broken) and the wiring harness (one of the plugs was melted).
All the exterior lights connected to this switch work, and the fuse appears to be good.
I am about to remove the instrument panel to look at each light, but to have them all out, it seems a bit much to believe.
Any ideas beyond pulling each one and testing for continuity? Thanks

4 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Pull the cluster and first check for power at the plug that controls the dash lighting circuit, if no power the problem will be in the loom or the switch.

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Friday, March 23rd, 2018 AT 2:25 AM

GIFTHORSE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I have replaced both the switch and the plug and I have all light on the instrument panel working with the exception of the five that light up the gauges. As you can see from the photo I sent, the burnt part of the plug I replaced was the slot that goes to these bulbs. The bulbs have continuity, the power gets to and through the switch to and through it to everywhere but these lights. The instrument cluster wiring looks good. Which of the two plugs and which of the pins on those two plugs supplies power to those five lights?

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Friday, March 23rd, 2018 AT 7:41 AM

GIFTHORSE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I was finally able to find a website that identified (6) fuses on the passenger fuse box to check: 5, 21, 34, 37, 32, and 27. I had checked 5. The 6th one was blown. The dimmer switch appears to have overloaded the instrument lighting circuit plug when the ceramic disk in the dimmer switch broke, blowing the last of the fiuses I had to check. Always the last one.

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Friday, March 23rd, 2018 AT 4:46 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,240 POSTS

Nice work, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.

Here is the wiring diagram for the instrument cluster wiring in case anyone needs it (below)

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

Cheers, Ken

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