I was wondering if anyone with a 70 Ranchero can tell if adjusting the dimmer for your dash lights if it clicks as you turn it? I know that in 63 Falcon & my 66 F100 that there is a click as I turn the headlight knob. I that both of them have a spring like contact that causes the clicking. I have lost my dash lights in my Ranchero but where working before I installed my radio now nothing. I have taken my dash out looking for a loose connection. I even removed my gauge cluster but could not find a thing. I have noticed that when I turn my headlight switch knob there is no clicking. I am wondering if my knob went bad? So I was wondering if your headlight knob clicks when you adjust the brightness in your dash lights.
Check the cluster illumination fuse first. It sounds like you shorted it somehow. As for the click, if it isn't happening, you need to replace it anyway, as it's likely on its last legs.
Will check the fuse, but it should click then. I have changed my other two old Fords so 1 more isn't a problem. Thank you for the input.
Our switches should be the same or at least similar. Mine does not click (like a ratchet?) when I turn mine. If anything mine sounds a bit dry but that's about it. Absolutely check the fuse. Mine was blown and I at first checked it wrong and pulled everything apart only to find it was the fuse all along. Remove it completely to test. Good luck.