Warning Lights!!

[Memphis]

I have a 1994 XLT with 4cyl/5spd. It has 133,000 miles. I've noticed that I have no warning (idiot) lights in the dash. No high beam indicator. Just dash lights, turn signals and a Check oil Light. Is this a ignition switch thing? Thanks,Scott

 

[v8318cid]

I doubt it. Sounds more likely that you have some burned out bulbs or possibly a loose connection behind the cluster. If the ignition switch were at fault, you would probably not have any gauge readings either (OIL, ALT, TEMP, TACH, etc, if so equipped).

 

[Memphis]

That makes sense now that you say it. I just can't believe they 'all' are bad. I know they're just little lights, but to neglect them...... I have driven off with the parking brake on a few times because of it. Is the dash real hard to take apart? I also might want to lube the speedo cable if it's possible while I'm in there.
Just so I know what to be looking for, what lights should be on? This is a 1994 XLT 2wd, 4cyl, 5spd. Thanks,Scott

 

[Bryan22]

open the ash try- remove the two torx screws, i think t-20 or t-25. remove the ash try.

after that there are about 8 clips around the edges of the trim holding it to the rest of the dash. You maybe be able to just pull it apart, or get a flat head behind the trim and pop the clips loose. after that wiggle it out over the steering wheel.

Next you have 4 or 6 more torx screws holding the cluster in. Same size as ash tray.(the black ones, the gold ones just hold the plastic face on the cluster) remove them and pull the cluster out as much as possible. Try getting under the truck and feeding the spedo some slack to the cab to make things easier.

Next remove the 2 electric connectors behind the cluster (one on either side of the cluster). they are rectangular in shape, you need to compress both sides of the clip to remove it. This can be tough, but you'll get them.

After that you should have a little more slack to get your hand on the speedo cable. The cable is attached by a round clip of sorts. you have to pinch it to release the cable from the cluster, then pull it out.

While the cluster is out, you can pull the speed-o cable through the sleeve and out of the truck to grease it.

The bulbs are easy to replace, just a quarter twist and they pull straight out.

This may seem like a lot reading it, but i can have the cluster out of my truck in about 10-15 minutes. Good luck, and if you have questions, just ask.

 

[Memphis]

Thanks! I got brave and tried it Saturday. I just can't believe no one would care about the lights.....all 6 of them! It just feels like neglect to me. Oh, I srewed up the speedo now. It fluctuates wildly at times. It will hold fairly steady at above 40, but somethings wrong. Had I read this I might have greased it. I was thinking about it. Did I damage something by pulling on it? Can it be stretched too far?

 

[Bryan22]

nah, i doubt you hurt it. it's probably just dirty, or maybe you didn't get it seated in the back of the speed-o correctly. also make sure that it's not making any tight bends on it's way to the trans, could be binding then letting loose making it do all sorts of funny things.

 

[Memphis]

Still won't work right. I took it apart last night. I cleaned off the old cable and re-lubed it with spray white lithium grease. I put a little dab of light grease on the end of the speedo where the cable goes in. I took it for a drive and it's almost worse! It will fluctuate wildly until about 45 and then will straighten out to a mild wiggle. It seems worse around town. I did notice that if I pulled the cluster outward as I was driving it then it would get back to normal. So.....the cable may be in a bind somewhere?? What did I do????