I haven't had any major problems for awhile, but stumped again.
On my way to work tonight, the dash gauges (the manual gauges, not digital), turn signals, digital speedo, and the heater blower stopped working. The lights behind the gauges are working, and the green 'block' for the speedo and mileage is also working, but no readings. I figured out later when I was going through everything that the cig lighter doesn't work now either . I stoppped at a store for a drink, and noticed when I got back in that they weren't working. Don't know if they were when I left the house or not, but know they were when I parked it Thursday morning.
Anyway, I've checked the fuses under the dash and all are good. I don't have my books with me tonight at work, so I did a search through the threads here, but can't find other possibilities. I haven't had much time to play with it tonight, but will have to get it fixed tomorrow. Anyone have any ideas? Any help would be greatly appreciated...
Dave
Figures, once I post a thread, I'd find the one I'd seen before. Can we still get a new ignition switch for an 87 Cat, or will I be looking through the junkyard? Also, if I remember from the parts car I had, there were no screws, seems like it was small studs holding it on. Any suggestions how to get it out? Special tools?
Dave
There should be two "tamper proof" torx screws holding it in ("tamper proof" meaning that there is a small post in each screw that prevents you from getting a regular torx bit into it - you need a bit with a hole in it).
You can still buy the switch new, and they're cheap (under $25)
It was definitely the switch. This thing looks like toast, and any longer and the harness would have been toast. It cost me under $10at Advance Auto. Back to normal now...thanks.
Dave
hello all!
I am having a problem very similar to this. I have an '88 cougar LS with the base digital cluster. The instrument panel lights are on but my speedometer and odometer are both blank. My radio, domelight, vanity mirror lights and digital clock are also non-operational. I checked every fuse three times and found none to be blown. Everything else (i.e. headlights, tail lights, turn signals, etc...) is working fine. I've changed the ignition switch but this did not fix the problem. I also looked for any damaged wires or anything that looked suspicious but could not find anything. If anybody has any suggestions on how I should proceed in diagnosing this problem it would be greatly appreciated.
thanks
Anybody? I'm really stumped here.:shoothead
Check the connections and fusible links out at the starter solenoid. Make sure the harness going to your new ignition switch is making good contact (they have been known to fail and melt, just like the switch). That's about all I can think of
Check your grounds under the dash also. My 85 had a ground come loose on the frame under the dash pad.
Thanks for the replies guys. I'll be playing around with it today and I'll let you know what I come up with.
could be a bad dimmer switch too. I guess maybe.