Hey all! I'm new to the site!

About 3 months ago my interior back dash lights don't seem to work at all. I noticed this started when I put in an after market head unit and later that night when the sun went down I noticed the lights don't work. When I say the dash lights, I mean the light that glows so I can see my spedo, Temp control etc. My lights for cruise control, and all still work. I pulled all the fuses 3 times, and changed the blown ones, and still nothing. I don't think it's because of the head unit, because just recently I installed an even newer one, and still the exact same problem. Nothing changed. I personally don't think it's the light bulbs, because there are several bulbs back there to light up my dash, and I highly doubt that all of them would go out at the same time. ( I did disconnect my battery when I changed the head-units. )

Is there any ideas?! I kind of need to see my speed at night! Thanks in advance!

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2008 Sport 4x4 4.0L
Stock engine
Stock Body
Aftermarket;
Double Din Pioneer Headunit
4 Kicker 6x7 speakers

you possibly could have caused the dash harness to come loose when installing the radios

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Truck: 2000 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0 4x4 ext cab
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Would the dash harness be visible from behind the Bessel ?

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I did check all the wiring harness that I could see, even under the steering wheel. And still a no-go.

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2008 Sport 4x4 4.0L
Stock engine
Stock Body
Aftermarket;
Double Din Pioneer Headunit
4 Kicker 6x7 speakers

Which fuses were blown? Did they blow again? Did you check the fusebox under the hood, as well as in the dash?
Have you tried unplugging the stereo, then (making sure the fuses are good) see if you have dash lights, while the stereo is unhooked?


Did you double-check your wiring connectors / solder / tape / shrink tubing, from the stereo install?

It's possible, but unlikely that you blew the bulbs. I would suspect the stereo wiring, if this happened when you installed the stereo.

But... if you're running out of things to check, it might be worth a try to check and/or replace the bulbs.

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2003 RangerXLT Supercab 4.0SOHC/Auto 4x4. DWB.
Turn Signal Mod. Fog Light mod. ACC power mod. Rhino Lined bed. LED gauges.

Yes, I have disconnected the stereo and while all the fuses are good and the dash lights still are not working. I have checked both fuse boxes. (Under the hood, and on passenger side floor area) The ones that were blown was just the cigarette lighters.

__________________
2008 Sport 4x4 4.0L
Stock engine
Stock Body
Aftermarket;
Double Din Pioneer Headunit
4 Kicker 6x7 speakers

You can also check the bulbs behind the instrument cluster mine blew out and I had to change all of them I think there is about 6 or so can't remember the exact number

I've been having the same problem for nearly a year now in my '94 ranger! I checked the fuses, the bulbs, and the pot switch. Nothing helped. At this point, I'll just drive without the lights. I drive slower than the speed limit at night, anyway, though I would obviously be interested to hear about what it would take to fix it.