Dash Lights Burned Out?

[kokonutgirl]

I have an 02' Bird that the dash lights no longer work. The fuses and bulbs have been checked and they are fine. Oddly, my airbag light, bright lights indidcator, check engine, etc. light up but the dash itself doesn't.

Needless to say I can't drive at night unless I wear a Miners Hat or hold a flashlight! Which I had to do last week. I'm guessing it's electrical maybe? Anyone else had this problem and what was the fix? I haven't taken it to Ford yet as that is a last resort. I have a Mechanic friend but he hasn't seen this problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[dchamb9414]

are you sure you haven't accidentally turned them off at the rotating wheel?

[bobnoir]

Take it to your Ford or Lincoln dealer for diagnosis. It could very well be the front computer control board that also controls engine emissions information
(strange, but true). Good news is, that it's covered under the emissions warranty. If you hurry.

[02thunderbirdht]

I am having this same problem, I had it at Ford today and they want to send it away to be "rebuilt" to the tune of $1000! So any help on this would be appreciated!

[3RD BRD]

I occasionally have that problem with my '04. Sometimes when I turn on the headlights at night the dashboard lights do not come on. When I turn the headlights back off then on the gauges light up. Never looked into it since happens so infrequently. Couldn't hurt to pull the battery to reboot the electronics and see if that restores them. John

[flacko2002]

Could the problem be with a photosensor?

[00mustng]

.....maybe the rheostat?

[MelissaDaisy99]

I'm guessing it's electrical maybe? Anyone else had this problem and what was the fix? I haven't taken it to Ford yet as that is a last resort. I have a Mechanic friend but he hasn't seen this problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated!


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[yrbamje]

Just a side note. I don't know if our experience is related but is interesting non the less.
During cold weather, the headlights do not come on automatically, they have to be manually turned on. After driving a while, then stopping and restarting, all is well automatically.
No tech has ever heard of this.
The dash lights are not effected.
Jim