Cluster lights

[Mancar1]

My instument cluster lights are not working. Getting ready to fix. Maybe just burnt out bulbs. Blinkers light up, so does the cargo light switch. Cluster was out when I got the truck. I am the 2nd owner. 68 CS. Any pointers?

[ForingaMex]

Check the rheostat on the headlight swith. Mine stopped working a while ago and it turned out to be that the rheostat wasn't making good contact. Or are they just dimmed all the way?

[Mancar1]

Not dimmed, out. I will check the headlight switch. Thanks.

[Oren09]

Also check the tiny fuse in the middle of the fuse box. Mine came loose and the gauge illumination lights stopped working.

[ForingaMex]

Also check the tiny fuse in the middle of the fuse box. Mine came loose and the gauge illumination lights stopped working.

Good point. Forgot about that.

[Bumpside Collector]

What is the best way to check the rheostat? Mine is acing up too.

[Oren09]

Turn it back and forth a few times to clean it up.
If that doesn't help, turn it slowly until the lights are steady and not flickering. If it works in some positions but not all, the rheostat is worn.

[Mancar1]

If a new headlight switch is needed for the 68, they are $15.95 Mileage plus electrical, & $34.95 Echlin Ignition. At Napa. Anyone used either of these brands?

[fordman]

Echlin is a better name than the other no name brand.

[Mancar1]

Echlin is a better name than the other no name brand.

I figured that, but just had to ask. My wife is always telling me, "You get what you pay for." Thanks for your input.

[fordman]

i found this last night and cant remember where i copied it from. but here it is. i don't know of the context it was taken from either. this either cmae from a bronco site i went to or hawkrod typed this out. i can't remember. i think it was hawkrod. because we were talking about car headlight switches at one time.

D3ZZ11654A replaced C5TZ11654A, C5TZ11654C, C5ZZ11654B .. Headlamp Switch Kit (Motorcraft SW1245) / Available from Ford.

MSRP: $56.80

Marked: C5TB-11652-A, C5TB-11654-A, C5ZB-11654-B, D2TB-11654-AA, D3ZB-11654-AA

Fits: 1965/67 F100/600 // 1965/72 C500/600 // 1965/69 N500/600 // 1966/77 Bronco // 1968/72 F100/750 // 1965/66 Mustang // 1971/72 Mustang // 1970/72 Maverick/Comet.

This is not the original switch, it's a FoMoCo Service Part Replacement. The trucks headlamp switch knob and shaft will work with this switch.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you want the original switch...it came two different ways. As a kit (includes the switch & the mounting bracket), or the switch only.

The following switches are the obsolete originals.

Ford confusion: These are not the same switches as used on the above passenger cars.

C5TZ11654A .. Headlamp Switch Kit (Motorcraft SW439) / Obsolete-Replaced

Marked: C5TB-11652-A, D2TB-11654-AA


----------------------------------------------------------------
C5TZ11654C .. Headlamp Switch (Motorcraft SW718) / Obsolete-Replaced

Marked: C5TB-11654-A


btw: The trucks headlamp switch knob & shaft (C3TZ11661D) is a ONE piece assembly. The knob was not serviced by itself.

[Mancar1]

Thanks for the info fordman.

[ta TACO]

Mancar,

I have the same issue on the same truck that I just bought as well . Did replacing the rheostat fix the prob? Also, I'm going out on a limb here in sounding stupid, but a rheostat is the head light switch? I checked the bulbs and tried to adjust the dimmer to no avail.

Thanks,
Davin.

[fordman]

yes the rheostat is part of the headlight switch. it is inside of the white ceramic deal on the headlight switch.

[Mancar1]

I just haven't got to it yet. But my cluster lights worked the other morning. Now they are not working again. When I do find the problem and fix it, I'll post the results. The Bump has been taking 2nd seat to Vicki lately. Which is as it should be.