[ranchertx]

I bought this truck a while back and the instrument cluster light is out. I checked the fuses but they appear to be ok.
Any ideas on it? Does it have a bulb and if so, is it hard to get to?
Anyone here have this kind of problem?

 

[9297oldram]

Usually there are about 5-7 bulbs in the back of the cluster. one for the brights, 2 for the turn signals and then some for the dash lights. I haven't tried it but most older vehicles you could reach up there and feel around and find them. Most you turn counter clockwise to remove the bulb holder.

 

[ranchertx]

None of them are working so, possibly it is the switch? Or, are they like Xmas tree lights, if one is out all them are?

 

[9297oldram]

If you have no voltage at the fuse for the dash lights then it is probably the headlight switch, everyone has replaced there's at least 1 time. If you buy or even don't get a new switch you should put your headlights on a relay. Makes the lights brighter and switches last longer.

If you need help putting them on relays use the google box at the top left and google ( headlights on relays ) alot of info there.

 

[TheAlmightySam]

First thing to check is the condition of the bulbs themselves. When I first got my truck, the old bulbs were so smoked up from being ancient and hot, that I was convinced the gauge lights didn't work at all. Converting to LEDs solved that problem.

If the bulbs are good, then the headlamp switch is the next culprit. When you replace the headlamp switch, convert the headlamps to run on relays as mentioned above to keep the switch from burning up again.

 

[ranchertx]

I tested the fuse and it showed the voltage to the fuse varied from a low of 8.0 volts to a high of 12.5 at top setting, so, swith appears to be sending voltage. Guess it is the bulbs... will try to figure out where they are.

 

[TheAlmightySam]

I tested the fuse and it showed the voltage to the fuse varied from a low of 8.0 volts to a high of 12.5 at top setting, so, swith appears to be sending voltage. Guess it is the bulbs... will try to figure out where they are.

The bulbs are back behind the cluster. If you search around for the tutorial on swapping LEDs into the cluster, you'll find how to get the cluster out. It's really straightforward.

Once you get back behind the cluster, another thing to check is that the bulbs are getting a decent ground.