Guage Cluster lights dont work -- HELP!

Ive checked all the fuses. They are good. The clock still works. The AC panel lights work. Turn signals work, the shift indicator light works.

The guage cluster lights dont work, nor the backlight for the radio, but the radio still plays.

Im not sure here. Fellas?

 

I would go the most easiest route to diagnose your issues. May try pulling the radio first and use a test light/multitester to verify +12v the wire that runs from the headlight switch. Most Radios have 3 wires that uses 12 volts. Check these wires = +12v to ignition, +12V constant source, and +12V only when headlights are on. Can't tell you the color of the wires, search the forum or web. If no 12V, may have to pull cluster and check those wires for voltage. If there are 12v to the wires, then best bet is the bulbs need replacing on the cluster/radio. I would then go aftermarket on the radio, unless a TW member has their factory to sell cheap..

 

Obvious but:

Ensure you have the brightness adjuster toggled all the way up.

 

I checked that too. Didn't want to be a dumbass.

 

hmmm, and its not bulbs in the cluster and radio its led's. PreRunnerSeth does a great job at relpacing them check him out for a how to on replacing them if thats your problem

 

Yea, I think my biggest problem here is that I havent a clue about this stuff. Might just have to take it somewhere.

 

Nice catch. Toggle switch bad? try checking voltage there first. Much simpler. I have a Honda that had same issue. I resoldered a bad connection at the toggle switch and fixed it.

 

I know this couldn't have to
do with it, but I did replace the side marker lights yesterday.

 

Did you replace them with LEDs? May have blown a fuse.

 

how would led's blow a fuse if they use less current?

 

When you said that you checked all the fuses, that included the ones under the dash as well as the ones under the hood right?

 

Always check the easy stuff first, before you take anything apart! Check the fuses in both the cab and engine compartment. Just because a fuse looks good doesn't mean that it is. Ask yourself," what do all these lights have in common"? A ground? A power? A relay? A fuse? Buy a multimeter for 20 bucks, check for power where there is supposed to be power and check for ground where there is supposed to be a ground. It would be really weird to have all the lights just stop working, you would probably have heard something or smelt the magic smoke(from inside the electrical wires).

 

Here try this schematic.

 

Nope no led's just stock.

 

tested some of the fuse block where it states for gauge cluster...thats got power...im at a loss here..

 

Bumpin

 

anyone else?

 

Check your brake lights. Don't know about newer vehicles, but on older rigs if the tail lights went so did your gauge cluster - it was a way of letting you know the rear lights were out. Had a '90 GMC K1500 Jimmy - found a wire in the wiring harness for the rear lights had rubbed the frame and shorted out... Worth a look.

Mike

 

So, update on this. I took it to the dealership to get fixed, as I asked my regular mechanic and he was a little unsure about the whole deal (I know right?). The light is out behind the gauge cluster, which also lights up the radio backlight as well. $560 with labor to fix. The part alone is $382.

 

raped!