Help!!!! Dash Is Black!

[Original_Ranger84]

I just got done installing my new stereo today and went to drive around when i noticed none of my illumination lights were coming on the gauge lights the radio lights the temp control lights everything is just dead. the dimmer still turns the overhead light on and the fuse is good... and clue whats wrong? and i tried putting the factory radio back in...

Also i had the negative terminal off the battery for a while. and headlamps still work

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Which truck?

My '85 had a wire (light blue I think) that I accidently used for a ground, I later found out it was the power wire that lit up the stock radio, it would pop the fuse the second I would turn the lights on. But you said the fuse was ok, soo....

 

[RangerFabWorks]

on an 84 theres actually 2 fuses for the lights. one is in the upper right hand corner of the fuse panel if memory serves me right, then there is one in the bottom center of the fuse box. most likely you changed the one on the bottom center but did not notice the one on the upper right hand corner. i had this problem when i put my stereo in. guy before me ran a hot outta the fuse box and it grounded out, every time i hit my lights, the fuse popped. check all the connections and get a test light just to make sure you have the right constant, auxilary, and grounds hooked up, then chage the fuses i told you about. if you are unsure of what fuses im talking about, i will post a pic of mine.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

No its the 99, although i did have that problem with my 84 when i put a stereo in it too. I didn't cut any of the wires on the harness, i got a new harness for it and connected it to the stereo. I used a volt meter across the fuse for the lights and it was showing like 19volts going through it...? It shouldn't be that high right? Possible indication of a ground in the wrong spot?

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Problem solved... I guess i forgot new vehicals have power dist. blocks under the hood. A fuse blew in that, so i replaced it and all good.

Except now one of the bearings is squeaking horribly, either the alt. or tensioner.