1988 Fox wagon dash light issue

[DragonMike]

On my '88 wagon I have no dash lights (and I mean NO dash lights) except for the switches around the cluster. The lit switches dim with the dimmer, but NONE of the other lights work. Bulbs all look good. Kind of frustrated. Anybody have any ideas? Bad headlight switch? Bad dimmer? Bad handyman?

[redone17]

Bulbs all look good.

What do you mean, "look" good?

I'd just do yourself the favor and replace them w some LEDs. Check out the recent thread (it was FAQ'd too) - for under $10 you will probably never need to replace them.

Though. I guess it could be a switch issue if they are in fact good bulbs. If I'd have to guess - the headlight switch - but hopefully someone with more experience can chime in.

cp

[redone17]

Fuse? #24 (amp 3)? Controls cluster lights and heater control light.

[Beetle.freak]

Verify the bulbs are good.....if they are good but don't work installed then take the mylar circuit loose from the base of the cluster (where the harness plugs into the cluster), wrap the plastic tab with 1 or 2 rounds of electrical tape, put the mylar board back over and hook up the harness.

[DragonMike]

What do you mean, "look" good?



cp

Meaning I looked at them with a VERY powerful magnifying glass and can see that the element is still whole.

[DragonMike]

Fuse? #24 (amp 3)? Controls cluster lights and heater control light.

Fuse was first thing I checked. it is new and conductive.

[DragonMike]

Verify the bulbs are good.....if they are good but don't work installed then take the mylar circuit loose from the base of the cluster (where the harness plugs into the cluster), wrap the plastic tab with 1 or 2 rounds of electrical tape, put the mylar board back over and hook up the harness.

Problem is not just the cluster lights. All dash lights not working. No lights on A/C /heater control panel, center console, etc. But yet the lit switches AROUND the cluster light and dim as normal.

[Beetle.freak]

Problem is not just the cluster lights. All dash lights not working. No lights on A/C /heater control panel, center console, etc. But yet the lit switches AROUND the cluster light and dim as normal.

There's lights in the heater control panel and console ?!?! Lol, j/k.....maybe pull the light bulb socket out of the console and verify you're getting +power to that socket, then check continuity from the -side to a good ground...to see if you've lost a ground under the dash ?

[independent77]

Problem is not just the cluster lights. All dash lights not working. No lights on A/C /heater control panel, center console, etc. But yet the lit switches AROUND the cluster light and dim as normal.

i have the exact same issue.

ignition switch is my thought.

[DragonMike]

There's lights in the heater control panel and console ?!?! Lol, j/k.....maybe pull the light bulb socket out of the console and verify you're getting +power to that socket, then check continuity from the -side to a good ground...to see if you've lost a ground under the dash ?

Crap...... Now I am embarrassed.... Never even thought about a ground issue! Thanks Beetle!

[Beetle.freak]

You're welcome, let us know what you find out.....and where at in Harrisonburg are you ? You may have seen my red 88' Cabriolet (mines the one with the iron cross in the back window) running around Strausburg the last 2 summers ?

[j-boogie253]

I just had this same issue and it turned out to be a bad headlight switch

[DragonMike]

You're welcome, let us know what you find out.....and where at in Harrisonburg are you ? You may have seen my red 88' Cabriolet (mines the one with the iron cross in the back window) running around Strausburg the last 2 summers ?

Actually live west of H'burg, almost to W Va. Never spent much time in Strausburg, but seems to me I did see that car on the interstate last summer.... cant say for sure.

[Beetle.freak]

Actually live west of H'burg, almost to W Va. Never spent much time in Strausburg, but seems to me I did see that car on the interstate last summer.... cant say for sure.

Lol.....I was living in Moorefield back then.....there's a guy out past Wardensville (off 259 going towards Winchester) that has a bunch of Foxes (mostly older ones) if you ever need parts.....High View I think its called ?

[ziddey]

By switches around the cluster, do you mean only the headlight switch itself? I believe that's on all the time regardless of if the headlights are on. Maybe the hazards lights up too? Man, it's been a while since I've been in my Fox again.

What's dimming with the dimmer switch? Try pulling out the dimmer switch and shunting the plug (or at least test it with a voltmeter)

[DragonMike]

By switches around the cluster, do you mean only the headlight switch itself? I believe that's on all the time regardless of if the headlights are on. Maybe the hazards lights up too? Man, it's been a while since I've been in my Fox again.

What's dimming with the dimmer switch? Try pulling out the dimmer switch and shunting the plug (or at least test it with a voltmeter)

Headlight switch, dimmer rheostat, emergency flasher and rear window defroster switches all light up when the headlight switch is turned on. all dim when the dimmer rheostat is operated.

[DragonMike]

i have the exact same issue.

ignition switch is my thought.

I would think if it was an issue w/ the ignition switch NONE of the dash lights would work at all since there is only 1? output from ignition switch to the headlight switch. I could be wrong. It sure wouldn't be the first time!!!!!

[DragonMike]

Lol.....I was living in Moorefield back then.....there's a guy out past Wardensville (off 259 going towards Winchester) that has a bunch of Foxes (mostly older ones) if you ever need parts.....High View I think its called ?

Would LOVE more info on High View, if you can come up w/ it!!

[Beetle.freak]

Would LOVE more info on High View, if you can come up w/ it!!

Info PM sent

[DragonMike]

Info PM sent

Thank you, Beetle!! Will be contacting him soon.

[DragonMike]

Sorry it took so long to post this. Turned out I HAD lost a ground under the dash. After arcing (always remember to disconnect the battery AND turn off the light switch), I realized I had blown every bulb in my dash. SO..... I have installed some WONDERFUL Superbright LED's. Thank you again Beetle for jogging this old brain!