need some electrical help

[91 351w]

The other night i was driving along in my 91 ranger when suddenly all my interior dash lighst quit working, I also noticed my running lights quit too. i figured it was a fuse so i checked them all and replaced the one that was blown. still no dash lights or running lights. I can get the running lights to come on if i wigle the switch a certain way, but no dash lights. All my turn signals and brake lights work fine and all my bulbs are good. i tried putting a larger fuse in just to see if it would work. It did but i had to turn the dome light on for the dash lights to come on and even still they just flickered and so did everything else. Does anyone have a clue as to what this could be?

 

[509lifted]

could be that u need a new switch sounds like that one is shorting out

 

[91 351w]

i was kind of thinking the same thing. but ny headlights took a shit this summer and i put a new swtch in. I kept my old one sice i turned out it was just a bad connection. I tried the old switch and it still did the same shit. could it be the one on the column thats bad?

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Take a close look at your connector for the light switch. Maybe take a small screwdriver and push all the spade connectors all the way in after you put the connector on the switch. If there is a loose bad connection it will create resistance that wiil cause the switch to heat up the lights require a certain amount of power if there is resistance it will draw more current. You may need to get a schematic and trace all the wires to the switch and repair replace all that are bad. Dont put another switch in until you are sure everything is right or you will be buying another switch eventually. My guess is both light switches are bad from faulty wiring or connector.

 

[91 351w]

thanks man i did notice thatone of the electrodes in the connector looked messed up but it was dark and i was using a flashlight. imma look again in the light is good. And i went down to fairmont supply to order a new switch and he recomended the cenector too so ill just get both.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Cool beans be sure and post if it cures the problem.

 

[adsm08]

Yeah, I've seen the switch and connector setups that are in our trucks melt down all the time. All 3 of the RBVs I've owned did it and I have seen a number of F and E series vehicles do it too and they used the same switch and pigtail.

 

[killj0y]

maybe even check nearby grounds for corrosion?

 

[91 351w]

i just rplaced the switch and the connector. everything works but i still have to giggle the sitch just right so they'll all come on at the same time. anyone have a clue as to what this could be?

 

[91 351w]

damn thing just melted again. back to no dash lights