Troubleshooting dash lights

When I got my Jeep, it had no dash lights. Following advice given at this site, I checked the headlight switch and determined no power was getting through to the lights; consequently, I just replaced the switch (thanks to more help figuring out how to remove the retaining nut and bezel). Here's the new problem.

From left to right on the dash, the "lights" light now works, the windshield wiper light does not, the emergency flasher light does not, the voltmeter light does work, the speedometer light does not, the turn signal flashers continue to work, and the oil pressure light does not work.

Should I check bulbs next? Is there a common ground for those instrument panel lights that could be faulty?

I don't know why, but I was pleasantly surprised by the green glow of the dash lights - it looks fantastic.

As always, your guidance and patience is greatly appreciated.

 

You may want to just go ahead and pop the dash loose and take a gander at the fine mess back there.

Mine had multiple burned out lights and bad grounds that affected the same lights as yours.

Everything grounds to the dash panel then through to the body then through the frame then through the engine. Maybe. You hope.

 

If your dash wiring is original, you will have a ground terminal behind the dash that is used for the dash lights.

 

All of those wires are supplied by a common power wire coming off the headlight switch. Check your fuses, bulbs. You can stick you head under there with a continuity tester, pull out each socket, remove the bulb and make sure each one is getting power. Sometimes the bulb sockets get corroded so hit them with a bit of sandpaper or a wire brush. Each bulb socket is grounded by its connection to the gauge housing and dash. The lights for the washer, hazards, and lights are disposable to my knowledge, but make sure they are getting power and have good grounds. You can find replacements online for the Lights and Washer for 3 bucks, but I haven't found the Hazard indicator replacement. It might be smart to run a dedicated dash ground wire through the firewall to the negative battery terminal or frame.

 

All of a sudden, tonight, the emergency flasher light works too. Maybe if I go out and have a few drinks tomorrow night, the rest of the doggone dash will start working too.

 

It scares the hell out of me to look at your pictures. I'm afraid I don't have the guts for all that, but we'll see.

 

On mine the dash lights were ran off of the light switch with a continuous brown wire to all the dash lights. If one is working they all should. Check the grounds where the light pushes into the holes. Do You have a test light. That should be all you need.

 

Remember, problems that go away by themselves come back by themselves.

 

Sounds like a bad ground connection to me