Gauge and a/c-heater lights not working

[1991rangernation]

I was working on putting in a new stereo and when I was done my dash lights don't work at all. But I don't think it's the switch because my headlights work. I mean all the other lights work like the brake light rear anti-lock and when my high beam indicator. Just the lights around the gauges and my light by the heater and a/c any thoughts on the problem?

 

[adsm08]

It could be the switch, those lights are on their own pin.

If it happened right after you installed the radio I would check the fuse first. IIRC there are several places that fuse is connected to radio circuits.

 

[1991rangernation]

Ok thanks!!! What do you think is the best way to test the switch

 

[hoosier1104]

Are sure the radio is wired correctly? Not trying to be a dick but do not want you to waste more time than you have to.

 

[fordmanms]

I too encountered the same issue with my 99 Explorer. What happened is I removed the radio housing so I could test my cigar lighter power as it was not working. Loose power wire was the issue there, but after I got the center panel back in place, I noticed my headlights (automatic) cam on but no dash lights. I replaced all 3 fuses for instrument cluster and still not lights. I took the entire drivers side dash apart up to the cluster and all of a sudden the dash lights worked. Put everything back together again and it was all working again. The next morning as I left for work, no dash lights. Every other light in the vehicle works except the instrument cluster lights, heater lights, rear heater lights. Basically all dimmable lights. After I put the dash back in, I did make sure the dimmer switch was working properly. I suppose the dimmer switch could be the issue. but it worked just fine prior to me taking the center panel out.