Can someone confirm that the Oil PSI dummy light comes on when you turn on the ignition switch? I've checked, and I have a good ground on the pressure switch to the pin in the normal state (no pressure). The Pressure analog side is working. But with the switch grounded with no pressure, I would expect to see the oil lamp come on prior to starting when the ignition key is turned on. I don't ever see an Oil indicator, so I'm wondering if the bulb is burnt.

 

Mine turns on.

 

So does mine.

I'd check the bulb first.

RwP

 

Any secret for getting the instrument cluster out? I followed the FSM and I call BS....it says to remove the 8 screws for the bezel, four screws for the cluster and disconnect the drive indicator cable....I did that and reached behind and disconnected the two cluster connectors and speedo cable. It's free but no matter what direction I turn it I can not clear the steering column....I'm not about to remove the entire column to pull the cluster.

 

My column is a tilt column, I tilted it down and then tilted the top out first (about a 15* angle or so).

YMMV, unfortunately.

One thing you CAN do is just drop the column; loosen the two nuts right under the dash, and it'll drop a bit. If it's still attached via pinch bolts / roll pins to the intermediate shaft (and said shaft is connected to the steering box / rack), you can actually drop it completely free; it should drop about 2 or 3 inches is all; not a big problem to hoist back up and retighten the two nuts.

But again, on my tilt, I could just tilt down and clear.

RwP

 

Yeah, I got no tilt. I was able to turn it 90 degrees inside the cavity...enough to reach behind and pull all the bulbs out. Some were harder than others and had to use some small pliers...hopefully I can hand twist them back in. Probably a good 5 or so were visibly blown. Going to replace them all.

 

A 100% replacement is a good idea, IMO.

Suggestion: Don't forget to put some "bulb grease" in the sockets and on the fingers of the sockets. This isn't necessary, but I find it helps the new bulbs last longer.

Also, remember that today's 194LLs are halogen cycle bulbs; keeping oils off of them is a good idea, so I'd use some nitrile gloves to handle the bulbs.

(Well, no, I used LEDs. But that's a whole different thread; besides, incandescents have worked well for ages.)

RwP

 

I ordered LEDs as well....had to make sure the length wasn't the long ones...I've read they sometimes don't fit in instrument cluster applications.

 

And here's a great bit of info! They're polarized!

So you'll have to fire it up and see if they work now; if not, flip them around (easiest is to take the socket out, rotate 180*, and reinstall.)

What you MAY want to do is to remove the cover, and use some needle nose pliers to swap the indicator lights.

Hrm ... some charging circuits need an incandescent in the "CHARGE" light position (my Cougar amongst them), so I'd put a 194LL back in the same spot (or at least check the wiring diagrams; I'm too lazy, I just put a 194LL back in my dash.)

RwP

 

Thanks for the heads up....knew about polarity...that's easy, as from the dash trace diagram, I know what's 12v and what's ground. Did not know about the "charge" position.