So a few bulbs have been burnt out in the dash since I bought the truck. I replaced them all with LEDs this morning. When I turn them on only one bulb works now and its not even one of the bulbs that was working before. And the climate control back lights are out too. The headlights, running lights, license plate, all other dash indicators, and radio lights all still come on and work. The dimmer switch also still dims and brightens the one working dash light and radio backlights.
So considering all this, what could possibly allow this one bulb to be receiving power and function from the dimmer switch, while all the other bulbs, which are new or confirmed to work, do not. Would appreciate any advice.

2003 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3 liter manual

 

LED are polarity-sensitive, unlike the old incandescent lamps (with a filament) that were in there. Remove the lamp, rotate it 180° and that should solve the issue.

 

+1 ^^^^

Welcome to the forum

Common issue with LED bulbs
As said, LED bulbs have a + and - side, where the regular incandescent bulbs did not
So they have to be installed a certain way
And as said just rotate bulb 180deg and put it back in, test again

But there are TWO circuits for the cluster back light bulbs, 3 bulbs on each circuit, both get power from the dimmer wheel
Power comes in on 2 separate wires at the cluster, so it would be possible to have one of those wires fail causing 3 bulbs not to work, it would be a Left side Right side thing
Both wires are light blue/red stripe and are on 2 different connectors, A(8) and B(4)

 

Haha thanks guys. Thought it might be something like that. Ill give it a try.

 

You guys are awesome that was 100% the issue. My dash finally works. Thanks guys!

 

For the benefit of others, what LEDs did you use: Vendor, Make, Model, Link?
Tried LED replacements in the Dash in the past; promising results at first, then LEDs one by one started flickering+failing;
ended up using traditional bulbs, Sylvania#161\194 for BackLamps, Sylvania#906\912 for DutyLamps,
with good results lasting several years now; originals did last 10+ years from the factory.
Also, a couple of Lamp circuits glowed dimly with LEDs when they should be fully off; don't remember which ones, too long ago now.
Click here for more info on Dash Lamps.