Instrument panel light is out

[Jorge Contreras]

So after I installed my aftermarket radio in my expedition I found out that my instrument panel light doesn't work anymore the radio turns on and works just fine all the windows work fine the door locks interior lighting the ac the outside lights as well it's only at night when the instrument panel as well as the steering wheel controls and the ac unit doesnt light up the display on the ac unit still shows as well as when you turn the SUV on all the little lights turn on like the door ajar, no seatbelt, battery also at night I can still use the high beams and turn signals and they will still light up in the instrument panel the toggle switch that controls the lights I can turn it all the way up to where the interior lighting turns on as well as go from automatic lights to manual exterior lighting and nothing happens with the instrument panel lighting all the wiring is set up correctly what could be the problem I have a 2002 ford expedition Eddie Bauer

 

[mhowington]

?This reply will probably be close to useless, but maybe it will spark an idea.

First, the radio- did you wire straight to the existing wires or use an adapater?

In either case, have you tried to remove the radio and see if the other lights start working again? I dont know much about the wiring, but it sounds like perhaps there is a short or maybe a wire got cut that controls those lights? I assume it worked before you put in the radio and I assume you have checked the fuses?

 

[Jorge Contreras]

We put a harness for the wires and we did remove it and still didn't work I haven't fully checked the fuses

 

[mhowington]

I pulled the dash on mty 97 this weekend (twice) and I did not notice one, but could there perhaps be an inline fuse between the console and radio? I seriously doubt it as I would imagine the power for the instrument cluster and the illumination lighs would be on the same circuit. Maybe check anyway and of course, the simplest but unlikely- check those bulbs.

 

[willis_bud2]

So after I installed my aftermarket radio in my expedition I found out that my instrument panel light doesn't work anymore the radio turns on and works just fine all the windows work fine the door locks interior lighting the ac the outside lights as well it's only at night when the instrument panel as well as the steering wheel controls and the ac unit doesnt light up the display on the ac unit still shows as well as when you turn the SUV on all the little lights turn on like the door ajar, no seatbelt, battery also at night I can still use the high beams and turn signals and they will still light up in the instrument panel the toggle switch that controls the lights I can turn it all the way up to where the interior lighting turns on as well as go from automatic lights to manual exterior lighting and nothing happens with the instrument panel lighting all the wiring is set up correctly what could be the problem I have a 2002 ford expedition Eddie Bauer

I have the exact same problem on my 2003 Eddie Bauer. Could it possibly be the headlight switch? I have found that my fog light indicator no longer works and my parking lights do not work when I turn the knob to the parking light setting.

Anybody have any thoughts?

 

[willis_bud2]

Went back and double checked my fuses and the #6 fuse was out. I replaced it and all was good again.

Always the little things!!!

 

[mhowington]

Fantastic. I learned a long time ago, always check the basics, even if it is not logical to do so- especially since easy enough to rule out. Glad it is working for you.