Skip to main content
Topic: Dash lights (Read 1401 times) previous topic - next topic

Dash lights

Hello,

  I'm having a problem with the digital dash lights on my '87 Cougar XR-7. In the morning when starting the car, the dash gauge clusters will turn off and on intermittently. Sometimes this happens when I'm driving at night, and by lights on the dash I mean everything, gauges, light switches, buttons etc. The whole dash goes dark. Is there a ground or some other wire that is common on being loose? Have any of you had the same problem?
Only in America do we use the word "politics" to describe the process so well: "POLI" in latin meaning "many", "TICS" meaning "bloodsucking creatures".

Dash lights

Reply #1
With the intermintent, it sounds like a ground IMO

Dash lights

Reply #2
That's what I would think too, but I have no idea where to look for this wire.
Only in America do we use the word "politics" to describe the process so well: "POLI" in latin meaning "many", "TICS" meaning "bloodsucking creatures".

Dash lights

Reply #3
Let me find my EVTM and I'll post the diagram

Dash lights

Reply #4
It could be the ignition switch as well.Mine did that when my switch started going bad.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Dash lights

Reply #5
These *should* be what you need

Dash lights

Reply #6
- Bad headlamp switch
- Loose connection at cluster harness(es)
- Bad ignition switch
- Bad cluster illumination relay
- Bad ground

Could be any of these.

EDIT: I have seen rare instances of the headlamp circuit breaker failing, where the lights would flicker on and off. You may want to replace that to see if it helps.

Dash lights

Reply #7
How about bad connection at the headlight switch.
84 Turbo coupe 2.3T Modded with 88 upper and lower intake, 88 injectors, E6 manifold, T3-4 AR.60 turbo, 31X12X3 FMIC, Homemade MBC , Greddy knock off BPV.
4 eyes see better than 2! 
Da Bird!

FreeBird

Dash lights

Reply #8
bad ribbon circuit
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
1974 maverick lsx powered turbo car SOLD
1973 maverick Tijuana Taxi Tribute
1957 chevy LSX Turbo project (race car)
Owner of Joe Dirt Fabrication

Dash lights

Reply #9
LOL! how about I tear the dash out. HA :D  This weekend I'll give each circuit a look. It has to be one of those. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for the diagrams Fila!
Only in America do we use the word "politics" to describe the process so well: "POLI" in latin meaning "many", "TICS" meaning "bloodsucking creatures".

Dash lights

Reply #10
Don't thank me, thank Jcassity. He sent me the EVTM

 

Dash lights

Reply #11
okay, I found what the problem was. It was the turn signal switch assembly. I haven't messed with the car in awhile and finally got to it about two weeks ago. The switch is so bad that if you push down on the turn signal switch a bit hard the engine cuts off and the dash is like  a blinking christmas tree.:shakehead  I have a new switch on order and should be here in a few days.
Only in America do we use the word "politics" to describe the process so well: "POLI" in latin meaning "many", "TICS" meaning "bloodsucking creatures".