• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

kept me in the dark


Dav

Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Dec 3, 2016
Messages
208
Reaction score
23
Points
18
Location
riverview, fl
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
ranger xlt
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
, 2.9
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
none but it is a convertible
Tire Size
stock
My 95 Ranger lost the instrument lights last week, except for one near the gas gauge. Only reason I worried about it was I couldn't tell my speed in the dark. (new job has me heading out before the birds wake up)
Today I pulled the cluster and changed the bulbs. Several had dark spots like they were burned out. After I put it back together, I tested the bulbs with an Ohm meter. Only one was a dud.
Are the dash lights like christmas lights where one going out kills the whole string?
Won't know if they work right until tomorrow morning at O Dark 30
 


19Walt93

Well-Known Member
Ford Technician
V8 Engine Swap
Joined
Nov 13, 2018
Messages
4,473
Reaction score
4,409
Points
113
Location
Canaan,NH
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
351
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Drop
3"
Tire Size
235/55R16
My credo
If you don't have time to do it right will you have time to do it over?
Dash lights are in parallel, not series like Christmas tree lights. If you had one bulb still working the problem shouldn't be with the fuse, dimmer, or switch. I suspect you've fixed it.
 

Dav

Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Dec 3, 2016
Messages
208
Reaction score
23
Points
18
Location
riverview, fl
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
ranger xlt
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
, 2.9
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
none but it is a convertible
Tire Size
stock
regrettably, I haven't.
Only the light behind the temp gauge is working. the bulbs I used are new. I tested the old bulbs and kept the good ones. The black plastic bulb holders were some original and some spares. I did not check the holders with the new bulbs in them; didn't think of it before putting it all back together.
What is the green plastic film with the copper tracks called? can it be removed from the back of the cluster and does anyone sell replacements?
 

19Walt93

Well-Known Member
Ford Technician
V8 Engine Swap
Joined
Nov 13, 2018
Messages
4,473
Reaction score
4,409
Points
113
Location
Canaan,NH
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
351
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Drop
3"
Tire Size
235/55R16
My credo
If you don't have time to do it right will you have time to do it over?
It's called the printed circuit and can be replaced if you can find one. I've repaired breaks in them by soldering on a short piece of wire but you have to be careful with the heat.
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Members online

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Kirby N.
March Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top