I have a 2006 ford ranger and the dashboard lights and the park light stop working

Sometime a solid hit with your hand can do the job.computer may be going

same problem. 2006 that didn't have dash lights when I bought it. figured it was a fuse. While at Ford dealer in Sanford, asked them to diagnose the problem and fix. In a little while, the mechanic came to tell me that all the bulbs in the dash were 'burned out'. The Service Rep quoted me $800 for the bulbs....$800....and a few hundred to tear apart the dash to replace them. I balked at that price. Checked the internet and found bulbs said to be for my purpose for less than 30 cents each. I bought 10, and figured I'd get more if those worked. After a few hours of watching videos and tearing down the dash, I have the instrument cluster in my hands, and, if those bulbs are burned out, I'm a monkey's uncle. One thing, though. In the center of the panel is a cluster of 4 places for bulbs, but only three are occupied. Is that normal? Or, could one falling out cause all not to work? I'm thinking of reconnecting my battery, hooking the electrical connections back to the instrument panel and using the VA meter to see what is what. Any suggestions, however, will be met with gratitude.

The LED's I bought to replace the 'burned out bulbs' are blue...I guess I'll wait to dark to see if they are working. I don't think so. Several of the icons that come on with the switch on, but the engine not yet running are lit okay. I guess I should take a bulb assembly out and try to see if there is voltage on the socket. I was assuming he mechanic at the dealer checked the 5 amp fuse, but perhaps he didn't, so I'll look at that, too.

dimmer switch fuse checked out

presuming the head light switch sends power to the dashlights when turned on....as G A suggested 6 years ago... how to check that?

same as the dimmer switch fuse? I haven't located a source that says I have a 'dash light fuse'. I'll assume it is the dimmer switch fuse and check it out. Later.

yes. 12 volts

I ran across a little note at the bottom of an ad for led bulbs for this purpose that said if the bulb doesn't light, turn it 180 degrees in the socket to reverse the polarity.... i"ll have to try that when I have the time.

and, today, I tried it. Yes, the LED units are polarized. They light up one way, no light the other. The problem, of course, is that when they are installed, how do you know which way to insert the 'bulbs' into the carrier, which way to insert the carrier into the receptacle, etc. etc. Using a 12VDC transformer, I can make the icons turn on by probing one of the two receptacles on the panel, using the other receptacle to obtain ground, I guess. But lighting the blue illuminators? Can get a little action on two, but nothing on tach or speed dials, fuel, etc. This is a frustrating process, one compounded, no doubt, by my impatience. Every time I try to find a wiring diagram for the panel, I get all sorts of drawings that don't seem to be what i'm looking for. Ugh. Does anyone know how to identify plus and minus on the bulbs? the carriers?

Perhaps, to simplify things, I should just buy some halogen bulbs.

no need, the original bulbs test okay. So, back to wondering if there is a problem with the headlight switch. One is coming soon, I'll let you know if it fixed anything.

I reloaded the halogen? Bulbs . Now, ignition on, no icons for oil, battery, etc..... and half the panel is nicely lit up. Headlight switch still in transit. Advertising for a used panel....