Speedometer gauge lights

[Nicklkq]

I have a 97 ford ranger an the speedometer gauges lights don't work. I checked all the fusses an check the bulbs an nothing but everything works but the gauge lights don't work

 

[ALegendNeverDies]

Did you check for continuity in the circuit? I know there are a few little critters that like to try and eat my wires -one is my dog- there are many video tutorials that could explain it better than I could. Are there any other issues that may be related to the electrical system that are going haywire too?


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[RonD]

What about the Radio light?

All the dash lights are controlled by the Dimmer on the main light switch, so if there are no dash lights, including Radio, then dimmer may be the issue

 

[tpginmaine]

I'm thinking what Ron said, but I have a little trick that helped me on one particular light - (in case it helps anyone searching on this later). I took my truck for Maine inspection. It failed for in-op check engine light (CEL) & a P1401 code that I wasn't aware of due to no CEL. I replaced all the dash illumination bulbs since 2 were out, and the CEL bulb which WAS in fact burned out. I bent the little socket "sweeps" a little since the connections to the PCB looked a little iffy & put it all back together. Good news, the bulb worked. Bad news, fluctuating Maine temps made the light intermittent which I confirmed by driving sometimes with the heat on & sometimes with it off. I took the gauge & CEL bulb out again, but this time I cut a little circle out of thick card stock, cut a smaller circle in the middle (like a donut), inserted the donut under the PCB around the socket receptacle & reinstalled the socket. That extra pressure worked like a charm!
Todd
p.s. - I went to a yard & replaced the DPFE with a used OEM. Fixed the CEL issue & truck is driving better than ever! Passed inspection...but CEL came back on on the way home. Oh well...She's good for a year anyway & still drives so much better!