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Dim dash lights

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dogface

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1988 Dodge 100 lights. I've turned the switch as far up it goes but the dash lights are still on the dim side, AC-heat controls next to dash is bright (separate I’m sure) switch, bad ground or connector on back of dash? Ideas?
Also the oil pressure and gas gauges read low
 
corrosion on/in the rheostat? corrosion = resistance, resistance = voltage drop, voltage drop = dim lights


common issue with many older mopars with a rheostat for lamp control.
 
I checked it before ya'll post, the light in the AC panel goes from nothing to bright when light switch is turned. But dash lights get to about half so where would the ground be on the dash assembly?
 
Does anyone have a clue why the brake light in the dash is always on in every 80’s truck and Ramcharger? Is there something I’m missing? Yes, the brakes are fine.
 
Never had a problem with that light staying on on any of the ones I've had over the years.
Two things will turn that light on. 1) and imbalance in the front to rear pressures at the proportioning valve. 2) The parking brake is on, or the switch thinks it's on. Unplug both of those wires to determine where the issue is. If it does still stay on then the problem (most likely) is at the printed circuit board, perhaps a very unlikely back feed or a wire got pinned wrong into the connector.
 
It could be a few things. The switch might be old or worn. The ground wire could be loose or rusty. The plug on the back of the dash might not be tight. The small lights behind the dash might be dirty or old.

Try to check the wires and plug first. Clean the ground and make sure it's tight. If the lights still look weak, try new bulbs.

For the oil and gas gauges, check the wires and the sending units. If they are old or dirty, they may not send the right signal.
 
NioMarvin83 said:
It could be a few things. The switch might be old or worn. The ground wire could be loose or rusty. The plug on the back of the dash might not be tight. The small lights behind the dash might be dirty or old.

Try to check the wires and plug first. Clean the ground and make sure it's tight. If the lights still look weak, try new bulbs.

For the oil and gas gauges, check the wires and the sending units. If they are old or dirty, they may not send the right signal.
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Good info, I put a NOS switch in, no change. That 7-8 prong connector to the back of cluster might very well be the culprit. It’s been off and on so many times it could’ve got loose. The light in the AC-heat control is bright, doesn't dim, not sure why? It comes on when light switch is turned on like dash lights?! All bulbs have been changed. I’ll check EVERY ground too.
 
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