Dashboard Lights Help Needed.....

[robertwhite]

Just picked up a 2000 7.3 and as it was getting dark out, I discovered that the dashboard lights don't work.

Dome light works with the door and with the scrolling switch on the dash. (which leads me to believe that the dash is being powered as the switch dims/brightens the dash lights)
Turn signals work (light up and go off)
High beams work (blue light works as it should)
Headlight knob dot illumination works
All door switches illuminate.
ALL gauges and idiot lights work.

Just the dashboard backround illumination lights don't work.

Checked the fuses with a test light and I get no power with key off on either the 16 or 19 fuse. Pulled the fuses, both looked good, swapped to other positions with same amperage and constant hot and they work fine. Due to this, I would assume it is not the fuses.

I am wondering 2 things................

1. Can someone with the same year or fuse panel set up, take a test light to their #16 & #19 fuse with the key off and see if you get constant power there?

2. Has anyone seen this problem before and if so, what was the cause and fix?

[wsigo]

You said you swapped fuses, then they worked. Sounds like a bad fuse to me. Replace the other fuse. Sometimes you can't tell if a fuse is blown just by looking at it!

Also, for future reference- your tail lights should be on the same fuse as your dash lights, so no dash lights- no tails.

[robertwhite]

Originally Posted by wsigo

You said you swapped fuses, then they worked. Sounds like a bad fuse to me. Replace the other fuse. Sometimes you can't tell if a fuse is blown just by looking at it!

No, I said I used the fuse in another slot and they worked. Never said the dash lights worked.

Also, for future reference- your tail lights should be on the same fuse as your dash lights, so no dash lights- no tails.

I have no idea where people get that idea from. That is completely false. My exterior lights function 100%. I believe that was a feature on 1970's-early '80's cars, not on fairly current or current cars.