dash lights revisited

External Since: Jan 22, 2008 Posts: 9

Previously, my problem was removing the headlight and wiper knobs. I was
able to get by that OK.

Now, my minor dash light not working problem has become a real problem.

One of the turn signal indicator lights will not blink - the left one works
OK. Changing the bulb didn't work so I began disassembling the dash to
check connections. In the past, sometimes neither turn indicator would not
work. Usually after a while both lights would start working.

So now I have the dash apart and the gauge assembly removed (what a pain).
The dash indicator lights are all connected with a piece of plastic with
copper running to the various lights. I'm inclined to believe that the thin
copper has either broken at some point, or has corroded and isn't making a
complete circuit. However, preliminary ohmmeter checks look OK. The bright
light indicator works, as does the 'Fasten Seat Belt'.

Switching bulb holders/bulbs doesn't work.

The pickup is about 26 years old and not driven very much (148K miles). I
purchased it new. It will not pass inspection unless turn signal indicators
work-doesn't have to pass emissions anymore although I believe it could.
Fortunately, the truck isn't my main mode of transportation so I don't have
an emergency.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I live in northern Texas.

Also, any advice on putting the dash back together?

Thanks.

External Since: Sep 27, 2007 Posts: 49

"trailer" wrote in message

> Previously, my problem was removing the headlight and wiper knobs. I was
> able to get by that OK.
>
> Now, my minor dash light not working problem has become a real problem.
>
> One of the turn signal indicator lights will not blink - the left one
> works
> OK. Changing the bulb didn't work so I began disassembling the dash to
> check connections. In the past, sometimes neither turn indicator would
> not
> work. Usually after a while both lights would start working.
>
> So now I have the dash apart and the gauge assembly removed (what a pain).
> The dash indicator lights are all connected with a piece of plastic with
> copper running to the various lights. I'm inclined to believe that the
> thin
> copper has either broken at some point, or has corroded and isn't making a
> complete circuit. However, preliminary ohmmeter checks look OK. The
> bright
> light indicator works, as does the 'Fasten Seat Belt'.
>
> Switching bulb holders/bulbs doesn't work.
>
> The pickup is about 26 years old and not driven very much (148K miles). I
> purchased it new. It will not pass inspection unless turn signal
> indicators
> work-doesn't have to pass emissions anymore although I believe it could.
> Fortunately, the truck isn't my main mode of transportation so I don't
> have
> an emergency.
>
> Any suggestions would be appreciated. I live in northern Texas.
>
> Also, any advice on putting the dash back together?
>
> Thanks.
>
>

Well, it may be PITA time. Using a low wattage soldering iron, reheat each
of the solder joints (to the point of melting the solder) on the ribbon
connectors, let them cool, and see if that makes any difference.

Good luck (and have fun!),
SC Tom