Dash board not lighting up

1992 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
98,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
RIDEORDIE0719
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
At night, my dash board is no longer illuminated. It seems like a minor issue to most but I can’t see which gear I’m putting the car in after starting it up. I can’t tell by feel alone. So far the only trouble shooting I’ve attempted was checking for a bad fuse inside the car. No luck there. Should I check the fuse panel located under the hood next? Could there be a light bulb that’s gone bad? If so, where is that located?
Sep 2, 2020 at 4:20 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
FREEMBA
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,152 POSTS
In the Instrument panel fuse box, check fuses # 7 and 11. The fuse panel is located under the instrument panel to the left-hand side of the steering column.

Information on checking fuses here:

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

If fuses are good try turning and wiggling the dimmer control (located on the headlight switch) while observing the instrument panel lights. A bad dimmer switch will often make the light go on and off and you wiggle it.

If none of these determines the problem, replace the headlight switch (it has the dimmer built in). Reason being, it is highly unlikely that all of your instrument panel light burned out at the same time, so it's less likely that they are at fault.

Image (Click to enlarge)
Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
Click here to log in and view diagram.
Sep 2, 2020 at 11:38 PM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.