Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Body/Appearance/Interior => Topic started by: mechanized on September 16, 2007, 04:09:52 PM

Title: Dash lights
Post by: mechanized on September 16, 2007, 04:09:52 PM
Hello,

  I'm having a problem with the digital dash lights on my '87 Cougar XR-7. In the morning when starting the car, the dash gauge clusters will turn off and on intermittently. Sometimes this happens when I'm driving at night, and by lights on the dash I mean everything, gauges, light switches, buttons etc. The whole dash goes dark. Is there a ground or some other wire that is common on being loose? Have any of you had the same problem?
Title: Dash lights
Post by: 84 Fila on September 16, 2007, 04:39:49 PM
With the intermintent, it sounds like a ground IMO
Title: Dash lights
Post by: mechanized on September 16, 2007, 04:48:54 PM
That's what I would think too, but I have no idea where to look for this wire.
Title: Dash lights
Post by: 84 Fila on September 16, 2007, 05:18:08 PM
Let me find my EVTM and I'll post the diagram
Title: Dash lights
Post by: vinnietbird on September 16, 2007, 05:39:19 PM
It could be the ignition switch as well.Mine did that when my switch started going bad.
Title: Dash lights
Post by: 84 Fila on September 16, 2007, 05:50:31 PM
These *should* be what you need
Title: Dash lights
Post by: EricCoolCats on September 16, 2007, 05:57:02 PM
- Bad headlamp switch
- Loose connection at cluster harness(es)
- Bad ignition switch
- Bad cluster illumination relay
- Bad ground

Could be any of these.

EDIT: I have seen rare instances of the headlamp circuit breaker failing, where the lights would flicker on and off. You may want to replace that to see if it helps.
Title: Dash lights
Post by: ipsd on September 16, 2007, 07:29:28 PM
How about bad connection at the headlight switch.
Title: Dash lights
Post by: SLEEPER T-BIRD 87 on September 17, 2007, 09:37:55 PM
bad ribbon circuit
Title: Dash lights
Post by: mechanized on September 17, 2007, 09:55:39 PM
LOL! how about I tear the dash out. HA :D  This weekend I'll give each circuit a look. It has to be one of those. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for the diagrams Fila!
Title: Dash lights
Post by: 84 Fila on September 17, 2007, 10:01:51 PM
Don't thank me, thank Jcassity. He sent me the EVTM
Title: Dash lights
Post by: mechanized on October 26, 2007, 09:33:33 PM
okay, I found what the problem was. It was the turn signal switch assembly. I haven't messed with the car in awhile and finally got to it about two weeks ago. The switch is so bad that if you push down on the turn signal switch a bit hard the engine cuts off and the dash is like  a blinking christmas tree.:shakehead  I have a new switch on order and should be here in a few days.