Instrument Cluster Issues

The_Archer_ · #1 12-14-2015, 11:39 AM

I've got a 2001 Ranger XLT(4wd 3.0) and I've been having issues with the lighting for my instrument cluster. I had to replace my original cluster due to an issue with the oil gauge not working and several dark areas around the tachometer. When I put the new cluster in I replaced the bulbs with LED's to take care of the lighting problem. After I installed the new cluster and I found that I have dark spots in the same locations as the original part. All of the instruments in the new assembly work correctly. Just to be safe I double checked the fuses as well and they all look good. Has anyone else had this issue? It's really baffling me, any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Kealel · #2 12-14-2015, 12:40 PM

LEDs are polarity dependant meaning if they are pluged in the wrong way they will not light up... so you'll have to remove the cluster and rotate the bulb 180 degrees from what it is now and that should work... it is easiest to put them in one at a time with the lights on so when you put it in you'll know

buggman · #3 12-14-2015, 11:38 PM

Yup, I'd bet those dark areas have led's installed backwards. Flip 'em 180 & check the contacts & you should be good to go.

Also check the connectors on the cluster & plugs, sometimes they can get corrosion or other gunk in there & not make good connections.

Wolperdinger · #4 12-03-2016, 07:23 AM

Old thread, I know, but I am going to shortly be replacing the bulbs in my 08 with Buggman's LEDs. Is there any way to visually determine the polarity of the socket by looking at the back of the gauge cluster? Or is it a trial and error process?

Kealel · #5 12-03-2016, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolperdinger

Old thread, I know, but I am going to shortly be replacing the bulbs in my 08 with Buggman's LEDs. Is there any way to visually determine the polarity of the socket by looking at the back of the gauge cluster? Or is it a trial and error process?

If you have the patience you can follow the traces to each bulb from the vehicle wiring harness.

Or if you would rather determine with tools, get a multimeter and determine the polarity that way (with power to the bulbs but with the bulbs removed)

Honestly, it isn't that hard just to put in the bulbs and put the bulb in the other way if it doesn't light.

Wolperdinger · #6 12-03-2016, 07:49 AM

Thanks for the reply. Much appreciated!

buggman · #7 12-03-2016, 02:31 PM

check my photobucket cluster album, i think i have a pic or two of the back of clusters with polarity marked

Wolperdinger · #8 12-03-2016, 08:23 PM

Thanks. I gave it a shot today, but looks like I screwed something up. It looks like I need a total of 9 bulbs for a 2008 cluster. There are three that are quite close together in the middle of the cluster. Some bulbs lit, some didn't. I got a bit frustrated and was running out of time, so put the incandescent bulbs back in all the sockets, but now I think less than half the original bulbs are working and the cluster is very dark. I cant' see the fuel gauge at all. I'll give it another shot next week when I have some more time.

Kealel · #9 12-03-2016, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolperdinger

Thanks. I gave it a shot today, but looks like I screwed something up. It looks like I need a total of 9 bulbs for a 2008 cluster. There are three that are quite close together in the middle of the cluster. Some bulbs lit, some didn't. I got a bit frustrated and was running out of time, so put the incandescent bulbs back in all the sockets, but now I think less than half the original bulbs are working and the cluster is very dark. I cant' see the fuel gauge at all. I'll give it another shot next week when I have some more time.

I believe there are 7 for backlighting and 2 for turn signals.

Not seeing could either be bulbs getting the wrong polarity or the film coloring is too thick.

Wolperdinger · #10 12-03-2016, 08:59 PM

One other thing I'd like to clarify - the black plastic bayonet sockets don't care which way they go in, do they? So if I want to reverse the polarity to an LED, all I have to do is remove the socket, turn it 180°, and then put it back in?

Kealel · #11 12-04-2016, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolperdinger

One other thing I'd like to clarify - the black plastic bayonet sockets don't care which way they go in, do they? So if I want to reverse the polarity to an LED, all I have to do is remove the socket, turn it 180°, and then put it back in?

Correct

pnanna · #12 12-27-2016, 09:16 AM

I changed out the bulbs in my 2001 3.0 instrument cluster to LED's. The blue ones... They look really nice at night. Not glaree (Sorry about making up that word). I have the oil gauge issue. I rotated the gauge back into place. Anyhow! the reason I'm here, I bought the truck used with 15k on it. It has an alarm system that was installed aftermarket. (poor install). After changing the led's I have a no crank no start issue. I have double checked all the wiring connections. I just keep going back to the alarm wires. Or maybe I triggered some kind of PATS issue. I really need some help figuring this issue out. Until then I'm dead in the water!

Patrick