Problem with Instrument Cluster
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 13
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From: Northern Nevada
Problem with Instrument Cluster
I have a 1990 F-150 Lariat. I'm having several issues with the instrument cluster to include the right side of the instrument cluster flickering and going dark and the oil pressure gauge not registering correctly.
About the light issue, if I tap the top of the dash above the area where the cluster is flickering and going dark, it will correct the problem momentarily and then depending how bumpy the road is, the issue returns.
About the issue with the oil pressure gauge not registering correctly and registering low. I had the oil pressure checked with a mechanical gauge and the oil pressure is where it's suppose to be. If I tap the dash above where the oil pressure gauge is located, I can see the gauge increase and register correctly.
The above problems occur about 50% of the time and 50% of the time everything functions correctly. I'm of the mindset that I perhaps have a loose connection or maybe a bad ground. In any case, this is driving me nuts and would like to correct these issues. My one other issue is, if I need to gain access to the instrument cluster, I'm at a loss how to do so.
I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to read this and perhaps responding with any suggestions. Best regards to all.
About the light issue, if I tap the top of the dash above the area where the cluster is flickering and going dark, it will correct the problem momentarily and then depending how bumpy the road is, the issue returns.
About the issue with the oil pressure gauge not registering correctly and registering low. I had the oil pressure checked with a mechanical gauge and the oil pressure is where it's suppose to be. If I tap the dash above where the oil pressure gauge is located, I can see the gauge increase and register correctly.
The above problems occur about 50% of the time and 50% of the time everything functions correctly. I'm of the mindset that I perhaps have a loose connection or maybe a bad ground. In any case, this is driving me nuts and would like to correct these issues. My one other issue is, if I need to gain access to the instrument cluster, I'm at a loss how to do so.
I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to read this and perhaps responding with any suggestions. Best regards to all.
Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 11,256
Likes: 1,770
From: Memphis, TN, Earth, Milky Way
This caption explains how to remove the headlight ****:
(phone app link)
Remove any visible screws holding the bezel around the instrument cluster (including below), and gently pull the bezel sections away from the dash. Check for hidden screws, and unplug any attached switches.
(phone app link)
The most-delicate step (auto trans only) is to disconnect the shift indicator cable from the column WITHOUT BREAKING the fragile white plastic tube. Unscrew the cable sheath from the column, and unhook the cable; then arrange the sheath & dash wiring so the cable can come out with the cluster later.
Remove the 4 cluster screws (7mm & T20) and carefully tilt the cluster up (this is where the cable sheath breaks) so you can reach behind and release the 2 large connectors. They only come out if you release both ends together and keep them straight.
(phone app link)
This explains how to release the speedo cable:
(phone app link)
Once it's out, polish the connector terminals (on the connectors AND the cluster's film circuit) with brown paper or a pink eraser back to shiny metal. To keep it that way longer, apply ELECTRICAL grease (NOT dielectric, or conductive, or battery snot...):
(phone app link)
This explains why the oil gauge is fake, and the caption links to the procedure to make it actually work (only on '86-95 trucks):
(phone app link)
If you're interested, the other captions in the album with the pic of the back of the instrument cluster explain how to add a "factory" low fuel light.
(phone app link)
Remove any visible screws holding the bezel around the instrument cluster (including below), and gently pull the bezel sections away from the dash. Check for hidden screws, and unplug any attached switches.
(phone app link)
The most-delicate step (auto trans only) is to disconnect the shift indicator cable from the column WITHOUT BREAKING the fragile white plastic tube. Unscrew the cable sheath from the column, and unhook the cable; then arrange the sheath & dash wiring so the cable can come out with the cluster later.
Remove the 4 cluster screws (7mm & T20) and carefully tilt the cluster up (this is where the cable sheath breaks) so you can reach behind and release the 2 large connectors. They only come out if you release both ends together and keep them straight.
(phone app link)
This explains how to release the speedo cable:
(phone app link)
Once it's out, polish the connector terminals (on the connectors AND the cluster's film circuit) with brown paper or a pink eraser back to shiny metal. To keep it that way longer, apply ELECTRICAL grease (NOT dielectric, or conductive, or battery snot...):
(phone app link)
This explains why the oil gauge is fake, and the caption links to the procedure to make it actually work (only on '86-95 trucks):
(phone app link)
If you're interested, the other captions in the album with the pic of the back of the instrument cluster explain how to add a "factory" low fuel light.