so, my 96 ranger's dash lights and heater control lights dont work now, but all of my other lights and gauges work. headlight switch works, dimmer switch did too. i was trying to replace my cruise control buttons, and the lights didnt work on the new ones, so i swapped old harness for the new one and still nothing. put old stuff back in for now, but after messing with them and disconnecting my airbag so it didnt fall of my wheel, the lights dont come on. ive checked my fuses and relays, all my other lights and gauges work, so i have kinda hit a wall. i dont know how messing with my buttons could have knocked out my lights. i know that the bulbs arent toast cuz i replaced them last year. any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

The power for all listed lights come from the instrument dimming module and share a common ground, less the speed control lights which have a separate ground.

 

well, only reason why i ask is because it was only after i was messing with these buttons on my steering wheel that the lights stopped working. they worked about an hour prior to me swapping the old buttons/wiring back on. im waiting for another harness, but will probably end up getting some 100% new ones.

both the headlight switch and dimmer switch work as far as headlight and running light operation, and the dome light coming on. all running lights work as well. all the other lights on the cluster work, gauges work too. none of my fuses are blown, im not sure if there is a relay for the dash lights.

i honestly hope that maybe coincidentally the dimmer switch went bad. i about crapped myself when i saw the price for a new one. im going to autozone to buy a new headlight switch, and either am gonna order a dimmer switch on ebay or from autozone, if i decide to buy a 100% new switch.

 

Are the dash lights and AC control lights currently working and do they dim with the light control?

 

They do not work at all. No fuses are blown, relays appear to be good, all other warning lights work on my truck, as well as the gauges. I smacked my dash and wiggled the switches to see if they flickered back on, and they did not. Dimmer turns on my dome light. This all happend while i was messing with my buttons on my steering wheel. I disconnected my airbag so it didnt fall off. Would that have anything to do with it? Or do u think by coincidence the headlight switch or dimmer switch went bad? I checked and replaced the bulbs and cleaned my cluster while i had it out. Just seems like i had to of done something while messing with my cruise control. Its aggravating!!

 

Does the head light switch illumination bulb and or radio back lighting work when you turn the head lights on?

Did you remove the instrument cluster when you were replacing the cruise control buttons?

 

No, i only pulled cluster to check/replace/clean cluster, which ive done before. With no issues. The light on the switch does not work either.

 

Radio is aftermarket too.

 

You’ll need to gain access to the Instrument Illumination Dimming Modules (IIDM) wiring connector (leave it connected). At its wiring connector look for a Tan/Orange wire. With the head light switched so the parking light are on, check for power at the Tan/Orange wire. If there is power, check for power at the Lt Blue/Red and the Red/Black wires.

Next remove the connector and check between the Black wire and chassis ground (meter set to Ohms) to ensure the ground is good.

Or

You can disconnect the IIDM connector and momentarily jump a fused 12V source to the Red/Black wire in the connector. This should light up the dash, AC, and cruise control lamps. If that works, move the 12V source to the Lt Blue/Red wire and that should light up the head light switch lamp.

Note: Make sure your 12V source is fused with no more than 7.5 amp fuse.

 

In my 2009 Ranger the dome light, buzzer for open door, and ignition key left in switch buzzer all work for about 1/2 second when I open the door then quit. Also, the warning sound for lights left on doesn't work. Does anyone have any idea about how to fix this? Thanx...Michael...

 

Okay I have a 2006 Ford E250 and I'm experiencing the exact same thing you are with your Ranger I have found that there is a spring in the headlight switch that whenever you turn it it's what makes contact and they fall out sometimes and if they do the problems that you are having happens. You change your headlight switch it'll fix your problem most likely I hope that helps I realize it's been a while since you posted this