I took part of my dash apart the other day while fixing my intermittent wiper problem and ended up taking off the molding that holds in the instrument panel. I noticed that there should be 8 informational/warning lights along the bottom of the instrument panel (4 on the left and 4 on the right) and 2 of mine on the left side of the steering column were missing. It looked like the holes were completely empty not just missing the bulbs. This sparked my interest and it made me realize that not many lights come on and then go out when I start the engine. Actually I think only 2 or 3 may come on and that includes the lights embedded in the instrument cluster. Does anyone know what the 8 lights along the bottom of the instrument cluster on the dash are for? I know that one is for 4X4 because that one actually works, but I want to know what the others are for and if my truck should actually have bulb sockets in each of those holes. My truck is an 87 F150 Lariat 4X4 5.8L with a carb. I can't find any info or pics on the web. Any info would be appreciated.

 

hold and applique at an angle around a lighted source and you can see what they are for...

 

My Battery light, Rear Brake and check engine light up, next to check engine and does not light up "Engine" i could see it by looking at from an angle with a flashlight. Mean anything?

 

'87 doesn't have a check engine light but it has a space for it, the truck isn't wired for it. I wired mine in. Not to be mistaken with the engine light, completely different.

 

So if the CHECK ENGINE slot is supposed to be empty, that leaves one the ENGINE slot. Does anyone know how I would find and identify the wire that is supposed to be go to the ENGINE slot and bulb? I suppose the wire could behind the instrument panel and I just can't see it. Does anyone know if it feeds into the cabin with the wires that come in near the the steering column?

 

The bulb is just missing. The engine light only comes on when the temperature is too high or the oil pressure is too low. People usually remove the bulb before they sell the truck because it comes on for the oil pressure.

 

Thanks for the info Sean.