Forum Discussion

NAtide's avatar
NAtide
Explorer
Sep 15, 2013

No dash/running lights

I read a lot on old posts but didn't find my exact issue. Went to pick up the MH and had no dash lights or running lights. I have head lights, break lights, and turn signals. I have checked all fuses under the dash and under the hood and they are good. Is there a best order to start checking other things?


MH is a 2008 hurricane 34B.

Thanks~
  • How did you check the fuses??? With a Voltmeter or test light? You cannot just visually check them. What chassis do you have? Doug
  • Hi,

    You have a separate 20 amp fuse for the running light. You do have a bad fuse. Look for the fuse box that was factory installed by Ford or GM, and it will also have the turn signal flasher relay in the same box. (you should be able to find it by listening to the clicking while the right or left turn signal is on).

    Some auto parts stores sell a kit with several fuses, and also a fuse tester. With the headlight switch on to the "running" light position, you can place the tester on each fuse, the LED in the tester will light up when it is across a fuse that is bad (if there is a load on that fuse).

    In my RV, I plugged in my brother's cargo trailer, and blow the 20 amp running light fuse. A quick check, and I found the voltage at the rear bumper was only 9.5 volts to the running lights. With more than 15 lights to run, it can exceed the 20 amp rating, especially if you plug in a trailer with another 16 running lights. So I installed a 12 volt relay to run the running lights, and provide a full 12 volts to the trailer lights.

    I plan on installing some 5 LED lights to replace the running lights. Total amp draw should drop to less than 8 amps once I convert them to LED's. I found them at Aliexpress.com Do a search for 5050 LED and you can find them.

    Fred.
  • Thanks Fred. I bought it used and there wasn't a fuse diagram for the ones under the dash. I think your fuse tester may be my best bet.
  • NAtide wrote:
    I read a lot on old posts but didn't find my exact issue. Went to pick up the MH and had no dash lights or running lights. I have head lights, break lights, and turn signals. I have checked all fuses under the dash and under the hood and they are good. Is there a best order to start checking other things?


    MH is a 2008 hurricane 34B.

    Thanks~


    Ford Chassis? Does your speedometer work, Dash AC? What about the radio? If none of that stuff works either. You may have lost the instrument cluster. It controls all that and more

    Transmission, Head lights, brake lights, and turn signals will still work. But not much of anything else. OK. IF that is what it is. You "May" need to order a new one. Not CHEAP. However there is another thing to try. Unhook the battery. Wait a couple hours, and hook it back up. that should give the capacitors time to die. And will reboot the computer. If that don't work. Leave the lights on, and kill the battery. After it is good and dead. Jump off the engine with battery cables. The little extra jolt from the jump could reboot the computer. If none of that works. You will have to get a new cluster.

    However, before you order a new one. Get the cluster checked out, To be sure it is really the problem
  • It ended up being a problem with the switch. I pulled the switch and tested it and that was the issue. $130 later and all lights have been working fine.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,188 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 19, 2025