Where should i start? (A CHALLENGE FOR SHOROD and ALL)

[cntrchfrk]

Ok here we go...

My dash lights had started to blow out a few months ago, (the truck is a 1996 explorer.)

If i press the cruise control button or i turn on 4WD, everything works fine, HOWEVER!!!...
...4 out of 5 times...The green light that says "Speed Cont." does NOT show on my dash, nor do the 4WD or 4WD LOW.

I even replaced every single light behind the dash and it still isn't functioning correctly. Wiggled the wires..


WHAT NOW

im so frustrated lol

[shorod]

I don't have a service manual for the 1996 Explorer, but expect the diagram for 1998 model year is similar.

According to the factory service manual, the 4WD LO, 4WD High, Speed Control, and OD Off indicators are all powered by the same feed, an orange/black wire coming in to terminal 5 of C286 at the instrument cluster. This wire gets power from fuse 11, a 7.5 amp mini fuse in the instrument panel fuse panel, through the dimmer relay, then through the headlight switch to the instrument panel.

These bulbs are switched on and off by the ground side which is controlled by the respective module.

Since you're probably an expert at getting the instrument cluster out now, I'd suggest you check for battery voltage on the orange/black wire at terminal 5 of the instrument cluster while the key is in start or run. Connector C286 is a 16-position connector with a gray connector body.

-Rod