Last night I got in my truck after the sun had set, I alway's leave my headlights in the "auto-on" position. The head and fog lights were on correctly, but none of the gauge or dash lights would not up. I hoped this was a small electrical glitch, so I unplugged the battery before going anywhere. That didn't work, then as I was playing around, I turned the headlight switch "auto-on" to "on" and all of the dash lights came back on.

I've been using the search function here, but haven't found a thread with a similar issue. I don't know where to even start looking for a problem like this, from reading the manual I will check fuses 35 and 117, but I'm doubting this is a fuse issue since it only is a problem with the auto-on feature.

I have a 2008 F-150, Super Crew, XLT.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

The fuses I would check for Autolamp would be #107 & #18.

These feed the VSM ( Vehicle Security module ) that operates the autolamps.

the output of the VSM on the pin #7, Tan w/ White stripe wire feeds the main headlamp switch.

These fuses are separate from the main headlamp switch park & head position fuses.

the next thing is to remove the rear seat and check the VSM for a the 2 ground connections ( to make sure one is not loose ) and the connector for damaged pins ( one thread the member found blackened pins to the autolamp output ).

IF the pins look good, turn to the autolamp position, make sure the autolamp sensor ( the wart on the dash with the PATS theft antitheft light is covered or it is dark out, and check for + VDC on the Tan w/ White stripe wire.

 

Thanks, I checked the fuses and they were all good. After dropping one of the fuse's and having to run to the store to get a new one, I'll take that as a sign to wait for warmer weather before tearing the back seat apart.

 

How did you check the fuses ?

1. Pull them out, stare at them and reinstall them
or
2. Check each pin on the back of the fuse, while installed, to a known good ground with a meter ?

 

I did a visual inspection on the fuses.

 

Was the problem ever solved? I'm having the same exact issue with my '07 F-150 5.4. As I walked to my garage I noticed there was a faint buzzing sound that appeared to be coming from the back seat or between the cab and bed and the power locks wouldn't function. The battery was also dead and needed to be jumped off. The dash lights have not worked since when the light switch is set in AutoLamp. They work properly when the light switch is turned on manually. What's up with this????

 

That sounds like you want to remove the seat back ( How To subforum ) and check the VSM ( Vehicle Security Module ) for damage to the pins and that the ground lug is still tight.
- I am suspecting similar pin damage for the autolamp part.

This is from another member




Once you charged the battery, did the power locks start working again ?

 

Yes. Door locks worked fine after the recharge.