Can anyone tell me how to replace the light bulb on the instrument panel for this truck? When the headlights are on I can't see how fast I am driving nor anything else, it's pitch black.

One more question if you don't mind. I have read a little about the gas gauge getting stuck but any advice on how to fix it? When you fill this truck up it goes to Full after a bit, but once you have driven it a bit it goes straight to below Empty and stays there. Do I need to drop the tank and change something?
I am a girl, but I am a little technical, so I am not afraid of tearing it apart, I just want to make sure I don't mess something up.

thank you everyone!
Michelle

 

There are actually twenty or so lightbulbs in your gauge cluster Michelle, I've restored a few clusters and they're easy to replace. Not sure exactly how hard the bulbs are to find as my uncle is an electrical engineer and just gave me a bag of them. If the whole backlighting of your cluster went out at once I would address a wiring issue there as I would believe that it would be uncommon to blow that many bulbs at once, so maybe check your fuses on that one. Cluster removal isn't too hard, all you'll need is a hex wrench for the faceplate bolts, a phillips for the screws that hold the cluster in and a flathead screwdriver or pliers to remove the clip that retains the PRND21 cord. As a tip make sure you disconnect the speedometer cable or you'll have one hell of a time getting the cluster out (I know it sounds like something simple that anybody would do but the first time I removed a cluster I did more damage than good, both because I cut the PRND21 cable and spent almost 10 minutes yanking on the cluster before my dad pointed out that I needed to disconnect the speedo cable)

I haven't heard about the gas gauge sticking before, although my 1987 has those same symptoms although after some investigation, the gauge was not stuck and I believe it's actually my sending unit's fault because A) the gas warning light still works and B) when voltage is applied between the unit and the cluster it will move. Since the warning light and gauge are on different wires we (my ASE certified mechanic father and I) are lead to believe that the truck may need a new sending unit.

Hope I was able to help you! - Adam

 

Thanks Adam,

Yes the whole back light quit working. All the other lights still work. It's the most bizarre thing. I don't remember when it went out as I don't drive much at night, but I think I noticed it about a week ago.
I have only had this truck for a few months and when I got it the fuel gauge was having it's issues. My low fuel light also works when it gets low, so I don't worry too much about it working but I wish it did. I hate having to keep track of the miles before I run out, (and yes I have pushed it too far once and ran out of gas. Thank GOD it was in my driveway at the time but it sucked.
I don't know if I want to go to all the trouble of removing the whole panel just to get to one little light bulb and since I am in Arizona it's too darn hot right now to even attempt it.

Thanks for your advice.

 

No problem, if all of the other dash lights work and all your cluster lights are all out you may have a slightly larger problem in the form of a junk circuit board. If that turns out to be the case I can send you one since I have a few donor clusters out in my shop

 

Ya since all the cluster lights are out, it sounds like it is a power or ground problem. The best thing when you got cooler whether to be outside for longer periods is to get a voltmeter or test light and test the pins to the cluster at the light power inputs.

As for the gas gauge yes it is a common problem, 2 possibilities. 1 is the float for the gas gauge is bad and needs replacing inside the tank. There are non replaceable part, but we do have a good write up in the FAQ on an universal replacement with a part number that a member found that works. The next possibility is that the float is stuck and mis-adjusted when ever someone replaced the fuel pump/sending unit, all it needs it to be turned where the float can freely move. Which does require removing the bed or dropping the tank to gain access.

 

Good Lord that's a lot of work for both problems. Not sure it's worth the effort to fix it. HA HA.
This truck was given to me a few months ago and I'm not sure if either of these jobs are something I can even do

Thanks so much for your input guys

 

Having a tilt column helps when removing the cluster. My 91' doesn't have the tilt column so I had to drop the steering column to keep from breaking anything. As far the gas gauge it sounds like the board on the sending unit broke or its breaking connection. However you decide to get at the pump whether its dropping the tank or removing the bed try bending the tabs on the float outward and see if that helps.

 

Yeah mine doesn't have the tilt either. Sounds like it's really going to be more than I can handle. I think I will be able to do the gas tank but not the dash. Thanks everyone for your advice and information

 

The fuse for the cluster lights should be a 4 amp pink in the 13 slot under the dash. That same fuse is also for a/c & heater controls, Radio Lamp & overdrive switch. You know you can adjust the brightness of the cluster lights by turning the headlight switch left or right on the dash? Just wondered.....

 

I just checked the fuse.. it's not blown and it's getting power. All the other stuff that that fuse use are also working.
When I turn the dial all the way to where it turns on the dash lights.. I don't have anything happen on the cluster.
Wonder if that dial that turns on the inside lights is broken. Gosh I wish this was an easier fix.