Some lights in gauge cluster don't work

[Mrtn15]

okay, well.. The only lights that work in my Gauge cluster are... ( Blinkers, Fasten belts, Brake, And the few white lights that light up the gas gauge, ect. now.. Are there lights that illuminate when your headlights come on ? or anything else like that. ? I really have no accessory lights other than my blinkers.

I hate having to flick my light switch to see whether i'm on my brights or not.


And my gauge lights were so dim (even when I turn the switch all the way up) that I had to install blue l.e.d's that I bought from Auto Zone.

[J Knight]

I posted what to do on the need help again thread.

[Mrtn15]

I couldn't figure out how to delete this thread!

[J Knight]

Thats a typical problem. I know you are young and have a lot of energy but exercise a little patience with this one. Like i said in the other thread carefully remove the gauge bezel, then very carefully remove the gauge cluster, there is only one maybe two plugs in the back of it and a speedometer cable. once you get it out you will see the little black light sockets, just twist them all out and replace bulbs and carefully put it all back together. Did i mention to be patient and carefull.

[Mrtn15]

Originally Posted by J Knight

Thats a typical problem. I know you are young and have a lot of energy but exercise a little patience with this one. Like i said in the other thread carefully remove the gauge bezel, then very carefully remove the gauge cluster, there is only one maybe two plugs in the back of it and a speedometer cable. once you get it out you will see the little black light sockets, just twist them all out and replace bulbs and carefully put it all back together. Did i mention to be patient and carefull.

okay, i'm guessing It's easy to mess up the printed circuit ? and I'm only 19 haha in college for criminal justice & Automotive TECH !

And Good, I was wondering how to change the speedo cable, now I know. Thanks!

[J Knight]

This fix is easy just go slow and dont force anything becauce its all plastic.

[Mrtn15]

okay! Thanks man! I'm going to try and get the lights on thursday!
If you ever need help, let me know haha.. I will help if I can!

[Mrtn15]

Originally Posted by J Knight

This fix is easy just go slow and dont force anything becauce its all plastic.

While im still on.. Is it hard to take out the overload springs on my truck ? or would you ever even do that ? I want to lower the back end of my truck, that way its even with the front

[bradford]

Originally Posted by Mrtn15

While im still on.. Is it hard to take out the overload springs on my truck ? or would you ever even do that ? I want to lower the back end of my truck, that way its even with the front

Not the best idea but its not hard. jack the truck up on the frame just a few inches, get 2 sets of C-clamps and clamp the leafs together. Loosen the U- bolts and jack it up til its off the axle.
Remove center pin, ditch the overload spring and replace the center pin with a shorter one.
Lower it back to the axle, replace the U-bolts. done
Dont lift it too high off the axle. Just a little bit. Brake lines and diff breather hoses are still attached and can be broken if stretched.

Now, back to the speedo cable.
When you start to take the bezel out, you will notice you cant go very far. Thats the speedo cable holding it in.
There is a metal clip thing that you pull or lift back on as far as you can. Grasp the cable end and push it towards the bezel and then pull it off. So, lift clip, push back and pull cable out.
That will give you enough room to get to the bulbs.
Just be careful. Its 20 something year old plastic

[Mrtn15]

Originally Posted by bradford

Not the best idea but its not hard. jack the truck up on the frame just a few inches, get 2 sets of C-clamps and clamp the leafs together. Loosen the U- bolts and jack it up til its off the axle.
Remove center pin, ditch the overload spring and replace the center pin with a shorter one.
Lower it back to the axle, replace the U-bolts. done
Dont lift it too high off the axle. Just a little bit. Brake lines and diff breather hoses are still attached and can be broken if stretched.

Now, back to the speedo cable.
When you start to take the bezel out, you will notice you cant go very far. Thats the speedo cable holding it in.
There is a metal clip thing that you pull or lift back on as far as you can. Grasp the cable end and push it towards the bezel and then pull it off. So, lift clip, push back and pull cable out.
That will give you enough room to get to the bulbs.
Just be careful. Its 20 something year old plastic

okay! Sounds simple enough ? and why isnt removing the overload a good idea ? would it drop it more than i needed ?

[bradford]

it may drop it lower simply because your springs are kinda old and it may sag. I did this to my Nissan Titan and it made it about 1" lower in the rear. The other reason is you wont be able to put much of anything in the bed before maxing it out.

[Mrtn15]

Originally Posted by bradford

it may drop it lower simply because your springs are kinda old and it may sag. I did this to my Nissan Titan and it made it about 1" lower in the rear. The other reason is you wont be able to put much of anything in the bed before maxing it out.

ohhhh! I think i will keep them in there!

[J Knight]

It would be better to buy a kit for the drop you want if you are not sure how to manipulate the springs.

[bradford]

Originally Posted by J Knight

It would be better to buy a kit for the drop you want if you are not sure how to manipulate the springs.

After I did that, I purchased some lowering shackles.
cheap