1989 Ford Aerostar (Electrical / Lighting Systems - Malfunction)
 

When I turn my van on the panel lights (acceleration, speed, gas) its ok, its on, but when I turn my head lights it goes off, but I can see verry dark that stil working (the acceleration and speed, and temp, gas). My panel its digital.
And when I turn the head lights off the panel come back on (the lights)
can you help me?"

RE: 1989 Ford Aerostar (Electrical / Lighting Systems - Malfunction)
 

Hey.
Just a quick thought, but try checking your dimmer switch position. Turn it all the way till the inside light comes on, then back just enough to turn of the light. Your dash lights should be at the brightest. Let us know what happens.

RE: 1989 Ford Aerostar (Electrical / Lighting Systems - Malfunction)
 

I did , nothing happent

RE: 1989 Ford Aerostar (Electrical / Lighting Systems - Malfunction)
 

Look out by the battery and there is a small wire hooked to the fender. It is a body ground. The headlights run through it. If the ground is bad, it could be that the headlights are taking the ground from your dash panel. If it is OK, you may need to remove the instrument cluster and check the grounds in there.

RE: 1989 Ford Aerostar (Electrical / Lighting Systems - Malfunction)
 

can you explen to me more especificly? my english is not that good.
this body ground is from battery?
where is this instrument cluster


thank you and sorry

RE: 1989 Ford Aerostar (Electrical / Lighting Systems - Malfunction)
 

There is a small wire from the negative battery post that goes over to the fender on a small bolt. This is the body ground that helps the lights towork properly. The instrument cluster is the panel where you do not have the lights working properly. No problem here. Hope this is a better explanation for you.

RE: 1989 Ford Aerostar (Electrical / Lighting Systems - Malfunction)
 

I have a similar problem on a 1996 Ford Explorer. My instrument panel lights many times are out when I start the engine. The turn signals will not work, but the signal indicators are illuminated constantly. The headlamps function properly too. Some times a good bump in the road will cause the panel to work properly. Any further suggestions?