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Topic: Dim speedo readout (Read 921 times) previous topic - next topic

Dim speedo readout

Need some guidance. My son has an '88 Cougar with digital speedo. The speedo AND the radio display are really dim. Any suggestions as to what to look for?

    Thanks in advance for any and all help.

Dim speedo readout

Reply #1 –
Have you rolled the thumbwheel by the headlight switch? That really should tell you everything right there. If it's all the way up (full brightness, but before the interior lights come on) and things are still dim, it's either a bad switch or it's possible that the bulbs are just burned out in the cluster and radio.

Dim speedo readout

Reply #2 –
Hi Eric,
 
      Thanks for the tip. I should have mentioned that I did try the dimmer switch and it does dim the other dash lights. Unfortunately the speedo and radio are still dim. BTW, the speedo is dim even with lights off. I can't find a wiring diagram to see what color wires (if any) the speedo and radio display have in common. Thanks again.

Dim speedo readout

Reply #3 –
There is a light green/yellow wire that runs between them. That's the main power wire. Also, the light blue/red wire is the lights on 12v+. For full wiring diagrams, see here.

It sounds like the speedo bulbs are just burned out. Probably the same for the radio...it's one of those wee little tiny bulbs but it is available and replaceable.

Dim speedo readout

Reply #4 –
I replaced a speedo bulb twice in 12 years.  The dealership replaced one before that (you would not want to know what they charge--because the bulb itself costs only about $2.00 or less). The bulbs are usually sold in pairs.  Problem with this job is the fact that you have to take the display panel out to replace the bulb.  I am guessing from memory but there are about half a dozen bulbs mounted in the back of the panel.  The touchy part of the job as I recall is the shift indicator and the electrical connectors on the back of the panel--I believe there are 2 large connectors---at least on the T-Bird.