[crazycarl88]

not sure what the deal is. the warning lights are all functional and the gauges themselves are working fine, but they won't light up when i turn the headlight switch on. the only thing i can see in the vicinity that may have something to do with it is a gray, three hole plug on the far left back side but i can't find anything it'd plug into (fumbling around in the dark) anyone know what the deal is?

 

[pextor]

you didn't bump the dimmer switch did you?

 

[FordMan59]

Not sure what model you are driving, but on my '88 there's a separate fuse for the dash lights I've had it blow a couple times. Might want to check to see if your car has a separate fuse for the dash lights. On my '88 it's a 5 amp fuse. As a matter of fact it's the only 5 amp fuse in the panel.

 

[KB]

I have a 93 and mine did that. Lost the tail lights, too. It wa a fuse. 15 A I think.

 

[LowGT]

+1 on the fuse, on the 2nd gen., no tail lights= no dash lights check fuse and find short.

 

[crazycarl88]

i still have tail lights though...

 

[FordMan59]

No longer sounds like a fuse issue. Maybe the light switch???

 

[nezwick]

I would try popping out your dimmer switch and testing the pins in the connector with a meter or test light to see if current is making its way up to the dimmer. If so, but the gauges still don't light up, your dimmer switch may have died?

 

[crazycarl88]

nope, if the dimmer switvh is no good none of the lights will work. i've had it out in the process of gutting and every light in the car is basically dependent on that thing so i know it's fine

 

[300ZXRB26DETT]

Check the electrical connection at the back of the cluster to see if there is power and ground for the lighting.

 

[MadBrad]

You said the dimmer is fine but you didn't say whether you checked if it is turned up LOL. After all, Carl, you are crazy.

 

[crazycarl88]

it has been checked, don't worry

 

[FordMan59]

Maybe a bad spot in the cluster's printed circuit on the back of the cluster???