gauge cluster lighting = broke

[TX Ranger]

Alright, need some help trouble shooting. All the illumination for my gauges is out. all the indicator lights come on when ignition in on position. head lights work, and seat belt light blinks if not connected. checked all possible fuses. installed stereo recently, thought a stray wire might be grounding out, they're all insulated. thought perhaps there was an issue with the stereo dimmer/illumination wire, so i broke that connection. it's killing me! any other pointers? last guess is the actual bulb is out, is there more than one for the gauge cluster? how do I go about removing dash to replace bulb? i see there's three screws on the underside of the dash, and when i crawled under dash i see two bolts that look like they secure the dash also. HELP!

TX Ranger

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Have you turned the dimmer switch it is either the headlight switch on the dash or the dimmer knob to adjust the briteness of the dash lights.

 

[TX Ranger]

yes sir, first thing I tried. Although, it may also be broken. It's the wheel knob variety. When scrolled all the way up, it still functions the dome light.

 

[shane96ranger]

I have a question for you. I need to fix the same thing on my old Ranger for the guy who bought it. Yours sounds like the same symptoms, no fuses blown, and the dimmer works fine. His still has dash lights working for the stereo and temperature controls. Does yours still work there as well?

 

[TX Ranger]

good catch. the a/c controls aren't on either...

what else guys? the dimmer switch shot?

 

[TX Ranger]

Update: tail lights out too! Brake lights and blinkers work...