Instrument panel too dim to read

VAUGHNC

MEMBER
1989 MERCURY COUGAR
3.8L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
268,227 MILES

Gauges all work but are too dim to read with or without lights on. Can be seen (sort of) with flashlight aimed at instrument panel. Also, headlights do not come on but running lights do. I replaced inside fuse and headlight switch. Still no change. Should I change all panel light bulbs, headlights, headlight relay fuse? Need some advice. Thank you.

3 Replies

PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO

MECHANIC
1,853 POSTS

I would try a new headlight switch since both feeds for the headlights and the instrument cluster lights come from that head light switch.
Is it the actual gauges that are dim or the illumination bulbs that light up the entire instrument cluster and is this an analog or electronic instrument cluster?

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Friday, March 30th, 2018 AT 6:46 AM

VAUGHNC

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Because I already replaced headlight switch I did put new headlight switch in and did not do anything. The plug looked good too. So now what? The only thing that really lights up when starting are the check engine and door ajar lights.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Friday, March 30th, 2018 AT 7:00 AM

PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO

MECHANIC
1,853 POSTS

I missed that. Using a voltmeter check how much voltage you have available at the headlight switch coming in and how much coming out. If the voltage is less than twelve volts coming in, trace back and find out where you are losing the voltage at. If the voltage coming in is fine and the voltage coming out is okay, then the problem may be with the ground.
Let me know the results of the voltage in and out with the headlamp switch on of course then I will let you know where to test next.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Friday, March 30th, 2018 AT 7:37 AM