97 Windstar: No brake, running or instrument cluster lights

Yea, take it to a qualified repair shop ! Could be anything , and with out doing some test couldn't make a suggestions .
Headlights/Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Circuit Description
The instrument cluster controls the headlamp systems that include daytime running lamps (DRL). The system allows the headlamps to operate at a reduced intensity when all of the following conditions apply:
• The engine is running.
• The transaxle is not in the PARK position.
• The normal headlamps are not on.
The instrument cluster turns the DRL system on by grounding CKT 592, thereby energizing the DRL relay. This action allows a reduced voltage of 6 volts to flow across the headlamps. If the vehicle has the optional fog lamps, the fog lamp relay will also be energized. The park lamps will turn on and the fog lamps will operate normally. When the headlamp switch is turned to the ON position, the instrument cluster allows normal headlamp operation.
The instrument cluster also has an input from the park brake. If the park brake is in the ON position, the DRL will remain disabled until the park brake is placed in the OFF position. On vehicles with an automatic transaxle, the instrument cluster will disable the DRL until the transaxle has been taken out of the PARK position.

need to replace the dimmer switch its probably shorted

There are a total of six fuses that control exterior lights and dash lights. Check all of these Fuses: 10, 21, 3, 7, 13, 33
Does the high mount stop light work when you apply the brakes?

do you mean all dash lights, like a/c panel. ash tray, radio ect? there should be a knob to adjust, turn it off. if that does not work, there may be a problem in the instrument cluster, or the FEM (module)

Call dealership and find out if it's a "PMI" system. If it has to be PMI'd at the dealership, then the old instrument cluster has all the old data in it. You have to remove all of the data from the old instrument cluster and put it in the new cluster before the car will run.

generally there is a fuse for the instrument cluster. also make sure the dimmer is in the right spot so you have dash lights. if that doesnt work, have the computer checked with a scan tool to see if its popping a code.

same thing with my 2001 windstar lx, mine was the brake on / brake off switch next the the master cylinder had brake fluid on it and was shorting out. replaced the switch and everything works fine

your owner manual sould have fuse chart. Some fuses/ekays in enine compartment. Some in car on left side of instrument panel

in car


Fuse Amps Circuits Protected 1 10 Power Mirrors, Anti-Theft Warning Light, Diagnostic Connector 2 5 Generic Electronic Module, Start Interrupt Relay Coil 3 5 Radio Illumination, Remote Radio Illumination, Electronic Instrument Cluster, Electronic Instrument Cluster PRNDL Illumination, Electronic Instrument Cluster Switch Module, Analog Cluster Illumination, Instrument Illumination 4 — Not Used 5 — Not Used 6 15 Rear Quarter Windows (LH and RH) 7 15 High Mounted Stoplamp, Brake Shift Interlock 8 25 Subwoofer, JBL Amplifier 9 10 Park and Turn Lamps, Side Marker Lamps, License Lamps, Stop Lamps 10 2 High Beam Indicator Electronic Cluster 11 15 Park Lamps 12 10 Remote Radio, Auxiliary Warning Lamp Module, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Module, Anti-Theft Controller Module, Radio Illumination 13 15 Radio, CD Disc Changer 14 5 Electronic Chromatic Mirror, Analog Cluster Indicator Lamps, Air Bag Module 15 — Not Used 16 15 Horns, Horn Relay Coil 17 15 Fog Lamps 18 25 Front Wiper Motor, Front Washer Pump, Wiper/Washer Relays 19 10 Generic Electronic Module (Pin 57), Electronic Instrument Cluster 20 25 Integrated Relay Control Module, Ignition Coil 21 10 Air Bag Module, Rear Window Defrost Relay, A/C Clutch, Temp Blend Door Actuator, Brake Shift Interlock 22 20 Rear Cigar Lighter, Power Plug 23 15 Multi-Function Switch 24 20 Rear Wiper Motor, Rear Washer Pump 25 10 Turn Signal Lamps, Instrument Cluster Turn Indicator 26 15 LH Aero Headlamp, Left and Right Trailer Stop/Turn/Hazard 27 15 Hazard Warning Lamps, Instrument Cluster Turn Indicator 28 15 Instrument Panel Cigar Lighter 29 15 Battery Saver Relay, Interior Lamp Control Relay, Interior Lamps, RH and LH Keyhole Lamps 30 25 Backup Lamps, Electronic Cluster 31 10 Rear Air Suspension 32 15 RH Aero Headlamp, Trailer Park Lamps 33 15 Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Relay, Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Module, Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) Module 34 30 One Touch Relay, LH Window Motor 35 15 Anti-Theft Controller Module 36 30 A/C Mode Switch 37 20 Door Lock Actuators, Memory Door Lock Relay 38 15 Heated Mirrors (LH and RH) 39 30 Auxiliary Blower Motor, Ref. Valve Solenoid 40 30 Window Motor (RH) 41 5 Autolamp Relay Coils, Autolamp Sensor 42 — — 43 — — 44 — —

i have a 1999 ford windstar with 3.0 engine it keeps damaging the instrument cluster( nothing works) it all started when i changed the headlight bulbs to a brighter one , it keeps popping the fuse so i then when to a higher rated fuse, this is when it then burnt the instrument cluster(smoke came out from under the cluster

dodgy light cluster on rear lights check connectors and bulbs