At wits end with this NO DASH LIGHTS condition..

[SHOfun 93]

Well after buying a new dimmer switch from Lupo, I went outside tonight to do what I thought was a simple solution to my no dash lights condition. I swapped out the switches, replaced the #13 fuse, and fully expected the dash lights to come back on when I swapped them out.

VOILA! Nothing......except a few cuss words. I began to disassemble the dash to check for any loose wires, etc further up in the dash area. Someone also told me to check my headlight switch area, so I did and all looked good there.
I doubt that Lupo gave me a bad switch, but I really don't know where else to look. Like I said, I can't keep the #13 fuse to stay. HELLLLLPPPP! headbang headbang

 

[AutoSHO]

Jeremy Hohn:
Like I said, I can't keep the #13 fuse to stay. HELLLLLPPPP! headbang headbang

Bad ground somewhere.

 

[SHOfun 93]

where? Is this going to be the proverbial needle in the haystack?
headbang

 

[projectSHO89]

If the fuse is blowing, it's not a bad ground.

It's a connection that is grounding (shorting) out causing a current surge/short circuit.

Meter and schematic time.

Steve

 

[fatak]

This may not help you at all but I am having a similar problem. I blow fuse #8 and I lose my tach and all the dash lights. So far I have narrowed it to something in the fuel level sending unit circuit (I think). If I fill the tank with gas it will blow the fuse. The fuse has also blown when shifting quickly from neutral to drive (I think it sloshed the fuel in the tank), after a rain and after I washed the car. Since I started only filling the tank 3/4 full I have not lost a fuse (and it rained yesterday). I took the fuel tank out last weekend and replaced the fuel pump but didn't see anything abnormal with the level sending unit. I am frustrated and do not intend to leave it alone but I don't know what to try next. Good Luck!

 

[projectSHO89]

fatak

From the EVTM, it appears that F8 supplies all of the following: Power antenna, digital clock, I/P dimming rheostat(IP lights), CD player (if installed), remote keyless entry, and all the interior lighting and probably more. The schematic looks like a plate of spaghetti.

It does not appear to include the fuel sender circuit.

Steve

 

[SHOfun 93]

projectSHO89:
If the fuse is blowing, it's not a bad ground.

It's a connection that is grounding (shorting) out causing a current surge/short circuit.

Meter and schematic time.

Steve

Okaaay. So do I just start poking the wires with a meter and see which one has a ?? volt reading? Also, does anyone have the electrical schematics for my 93? Thanks.

 

[projectSHO89]

Jeremy,

1) Specify which car you're working on. They have variations between years.

2) Go get a meter. They are invaluable for troubleshooting.

If F13 keeps blowing, there is a wiring fault/short circuit around the rheostat or in the I/P light circuit. F13 is AFTER the main headlight switch, so the problem would not be there.

You can download a schematic from http://www.ford-taurus.narod.ru/ Select 1993 and documents 08 (power distribution), and #12 (I/P).

The WHT/LT blue wire runs from the rheostat to F13, the LT BLU/RED wire runs to all the lamps.


Steve

<small>[ June 03, 2003, 09:47 AM: Message edited by: projectSHO89 ]</small>

 

[SHOfun 93]

This is on the 93...rheostat? IP light circuit? I really am dumb when it comes to the electronics of the sho... doh

 

[projectSHO89]

The rheostat is the dimmer
I/P=Instrument Panel Illumination

 

[SHOfun 93]

I just replaced the dimmer switch with one purchased from Lupo. I don't think that is it....unless THAT dimmer was bad too..I dunno...

 

[SHOfun 93]

should I try to swap the one from the 92 that I KNOW works? What kind of number am I looking for on the volt meter to find the short/bad ground? Thanks! headbang

 

[Ishodu]

Ya I would see if the known one will work in the car could save a lot of work.. Finding an electrical problem is never any fun.

 

[AutoSHO]

projectSHO89:
If the fuse is blowing, it's not a bad ground.

It's a connection that is grounding (shorting) out causing a current surge/short circuit.

Meter and schematic time.

Steve

Thats what I meant to say, I just didn't pay enough attention. Check for chafed wires, etc.