Dash lights on 1985 d100 not working

[jrawhidejr]

Hope I am the correct place with this post, being a newbie. I have a Dodge d100 1985 truck that the dash lights are not coming on. looking for some pointers and maybe electrical schematic of that model. Turn signals work, just display lighting not working. thanks in advance.

 

[chopperman1]

Check your tail lights and tail light fuse. Older vehicles would turn off your dash lights to let you know the tail lights were out.

 

[jawzs2]

Real stupid question, but did you try turning the headlight knob in either direction? It could be turned down all the way, or have a bad spot in the contacts.

 

[jrawhidejr]

Check your tail lights and tail light fuse. Older vehicles would turn off your dash lights to let you know the tail lights were out.

all fuses are checking good, tail lights are lighting, tried to turn the light switch right and left with no effect. i guess I need a schematic of the wiring and run down the problem.

 

[jrawhidejr]

Real stupid question, but did you try turning the headlight knob in either direction? It could be turned down all the way, or have a bad spot in the contacts.

no not a stupid question. yes I did and no change. replaced all the bulbs, still nothing. all fuses are good.

 

[jawzs2]

Yeah, a test light goings to be your friend here. Here's an '87 schematic, pretty sure they're the same.

 

[threewheeler80]

Did you ever determine why the instrument cluster lights weren't illuminating?

I am having the same issue on 1985, replaced the bulbs etc. I am thinking a ground for the instrument cluster?

 

[ZeroEmpire]

Same Issue here. Interested to hear some more suggestions

 

[ZeroEmpire]

Update: Mine seems to have something to do with the Headlight switch. I turned it back and forth and wiggled it a few times and the lights started working intermittently. Will replace switch and update again.

 

[threewheeler80]

Update: While replacing the dash bulbs I noticed the brake warning light socket was partially melted due to the light staying on constantly. I replaced all the sockets as well as the bulbs and now all the lights work. The brake warning light staying on is due to the proportioning valve switch being stuck or maybe rusted or rusty metal stuck in just the right place to keep the switch "on". I unplugged the wire from the switch temporarily.

 

[PaPitt]

I too was going to say ... Wiggle & shake that headlight switch ..
& I've had one on my Ford Bronco & it seems to need a new switch every 6 months.
I don't think they make um like they used to.

 

[PaPitt]

I had a bad head light switch a few times .