Stuff I need help with

[JonnyBoy90PF]

I have a couple of little things on my truck that Im stuck on if anybody has any advice. First I fixed my passenger side brake light and Its going in and out. It will be working like a champ and then go in and out. Second my speedometer stopped working and I heard that I need a new cable for it. Is this a dealership part or can I get it from a junk yard? And last my dash lights dont come on with my lights. The E-brake light works along with the fuel and seatbelt light but my Backlights dont come on.

[1994SEV6]

You blew a fuse. Dash cluster lights and tail lights are on the same fuse. The fuse is labeled "tail light"

 

Actually it sounds like all your problems are due to faulty connections.

I don't think speedo cables (pre 94) can 'go bad'. Something may have come loose, or your speed sensor may have gone bad.

Intermittent brake light problems is probably a loose wire or something

[Slartibartfast]

Fuses blow, but I've never heard of a fuse only working sometimes. A blown fuse wouldn't make for an intermittent brake light. There's a dial to control the cluster light brightness, try turning that up. I've bumped it when cleaning stuff and thought I'd killed my lights somehow.

 

How's the socket for the brake light look? If it's corroded or the contacts are buggered it'll have intermittent contact. Use some contact cleaner on it. Also hold the bulb up to a light source and check the filament inside, in case it's broken.

 

Anything can go bad, you just have to push it hard enough. My understanding is that you can pull one from the junkyard and use it, but just because of the PITA factor of tearing apart the dashboard, I'd get a new one that I know isn't going to go out again.

Edited February 1, 2012 by Slartibartfast