Okay so I have a 2004 Ford Ranger. My gauge cluster lights went out I believe.

I get light from the check engine, blinker, warning lights, etc.

But not light behind any of the tachs, oil temp, etc.

My question is that if it was a fuse, it would be turning off the whole gauge cluster of any lights correct? Thus the bulbs behind the cluster have gone out? Simaltaneously, odd.

Any ideas? Can provide more info if need.

 

The dash illumination lamps receive power from the instrument panel dimmer switch. Ensure the dimmer switch is not turned to the off position. Also, check fuses 1 in the SJB.

 

The dimmer switch is the one that like a wheel im assuming because thats the only one. I can use that dimmer switch and wheel it all the way up and my dome light comes on, so im assuming thats not the issue.

noob to the abbreviations sorry, whats SJB? Inside fuse box?

 

Yes, its the fuse box located on the passengers side kick panel (SJB = Smart Junction Box)

 

Replaced the fuse and it did nothing. Any other ideas?

 

check the plugs behind the cluster are plugged in tightly and as well as behind the switch. maybe your dimmer switch is bad. not really sure, but thats what i'd check

 

Was the fuse bad?

Do any of the following illuminate switches light up with the headlight switch in the on position: headlights, fog lights, or the function selector control (HVAC) switches?

 

probab;y just burnt out bulbs.
perfect time to upgrade to led's

 

Fuse was still good, but I replaced it anyway just to be safe and it made no difference.

Headlights, etc all work with the headlight switch, although my HVAC switches have never lit up since I bought the truck.

Dimmer switch doesnt do anything until I scroll it all the way up, it then clicks the interior dome light on.

 

Recommended place to buy LEDs?

BTW, the LCD screen that displays all my warning lights work, along with the blinkers, etc.

Just the guages themselves dont light up. (Tach, speedometer, gas, etc).

 

Drop me a PM if you'd like some led's...

 

Those blue LED's are pretty sweet.

 

Just to clarify, you're saying none of the illuminated switches such as the Headlamp switch itself, A/C control panel switch, Radio, Fog lamp Switch (if equipped), or dash lights work?

When you checked fuse 1 did you verify you had power at the fuse with a test light or VOM?

If fuse 1 has power, I'd suspect the Dimmer Control Switch or its associated wiring is bad.

You'll need to pull the dash panel with the Dimmer Control and check for power at the switch connector. The Red with Yellow stripe wire is the power feed from fuse 1. The Light Blue with Red Stripe is the output to the instrument cluster and other illuminated switches.

 

Gonna post some pics for clarification and so you can see my cluster.

Here is what it looks like, this is truck running (lights and everything turned off. Flash on phone).


Here is it turned on fog lights (but my model doesnt have any)


Turned to headlights on


Here is what my guage cluster looks like through out all those pictures with my flash on phone off. LCD works, but none of the other lights (besides blinkers)



My HVAC controls


HVAC controls with no flash. Note that this has never lit up since ive owned the truck.


I just dont see how the dimmer control switch has anything to do with this problem because it still works when you scroll it all the way up, it turns my interior dome light on. Thus, it is not failed.

 

-Radio works and lights up.
- A/C control panel all works but the lights (if there is any) dont light up. They never did since I bought the truck.
-Headlamp switch works.

I didnt check fuse one. I looked at the online owners manual for my truck (2004 Ford Ranger), it listed fuse #33 I believe as the fuse that does my guage cluster in the SJB. Fuse looked fine but replaced it anyway. Didnt check for power. I suppose I could do that tomorrow.

 

The dimmer control switch is actually two switches in one. The first one is basically a variable resistor with its own power input and output. It operates just like the volume control in a stereo. Turn it in one direction and the volume increases (brightens). Turn it in the other direction and the volume decreases (dims). The second switch controls the dome light with its own power input and output. By turning the switch to maximum brightness and a little beyond you'll feel a click that turns on the dome light. One side of the switch can go bad and still allow the other to function.

Before you tear into the dash, check the fuses for power with a test light or VOM. My document shows fuse 1 (5 AMP) feeding power to the dimmer control. It receives power via the Park Lamp Relay from fuse 31 (20 AMP) both at the SJB. For the layout of the fuses in the SJB for 2004 model Click Here and go to page 138.

 

Okay so both Fuse 1 and fuse 31 are getting power and look in good shape.

Now go to the dimmer switch?

 

Yup, you'll need to pull the dash panel. Once you have the panel off to were you can access the switch, leaving it plug in, turn the headlight switch to the Park Light Position. Back probe the Red with Yellow stripe wire in the connector. You should have power. Next, back probe the Light Blue with Red Stripe wire. You should have power. If not, you'll need to replace the dimmer switch.

 

I went to AutoZone and picked up new fuses for my SJB. I replaced both Fuses 1 and 31 even though they looked fine.

Fuse 1 turned out to be the problem. Guage cluster lights up now.

I appreciate all the help Rev. Electrical is not my thing. haha

 

Not a problem. So now at night you can see how fast your going.

 

How many instrument panel lights are behind the instrument cluster? How many led's do I need to purchase to make my cluster new again. I have the problem where part of my closter has gone dim, the far left lower and far right lower parts.

 

Thank you guys, was confused about the multiple fuse boxes lol, and got a new 5 amp fuse for the 1 slot, and all good now 👍