Massey 390t faulty dashboard lights

[Anguscow2020]

Afternoon, not sure if anyone can help. I have a Massey 390T, on the dashboard there's a block of 18 lights that show things like warning lights, indicators and if you're in high low gear etc. The problem is that one by one these lights are stopping working. A few of the lights still work, like the indicator lights and the full beam on light. However a lot of them don't work, and the other day the 4 wheel drive light stopped working as did the hand brake on light. Anyone got any idea what the problem could be? Could it be as simple as a fuse or a bulb? Any help appreciated, cheers

 

[RmfJ]

The bulbs that fit those lights are “286 capless” bulbs, take the dashboard apart to fit them. Use gloves though to handle them as the static in your body can blow them.

 

[Anguscow2020]

The bulbs that fit those lights are “286 capless” bulbs, take the dashboard apart to fit them. Use gloves though to handle them as the static in your body can blow them.

Thanks so much for your reply. So are there individual bulbs behind each of the 18 squares?

 

[RmfJ]

Yes

 

[masseybreaker]

check the multi pin plug on the rear of the dash give it a good clean up and make sure its making a good connection its the favourite place for a fire on a 390

 

[Anguscow2020]

check the multi pin plug on the rear of the dash give it a good clean up and make sure its making a good connection its the favourite place for a fire on a 390

Ok nice one, I'll take a look at that thanks

 

[SRRC]

Those dashboard lights are a pain.
Don't bother to try and change the tiny bulbs in the holders, just get a whole new set that include the holder.
I've spent ages fiddling and it's a waste of time, the new holders are much better quality, change the lot!

 

[Sausage]

Having just done this the bulb holders are soldered into the dash circuit board and the bulbs just push in. Much better than the later design of the bayonet holders which you insert into circuit boards.... progress.

Taking the dash apart on my 390t highline was a real pain, once the actual instrument panel was out it was a doddle, but getting to that point not so much.

 

[Dry Rot]

Join this Facebook group. They have a workshop manual for the 390 in the files, including I think instructions on how to dismantle the dash (which may very well not be necessary) left hand column. I had electrical problems in my 390 which were driving me mad. I finally bit the bullet and got in an auto-electrician. Best £80 I have ever spent. Lots of clever guys on the page too.

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[Anguscow2020]

Join this Facebook group. They have a workshop manual for the 390 in the files, including I think instructions on how to dismantle the dash (which may very well not be necessary) left hand column. I had electrical problems in my 390 which were driving me mad. I finally bit the bullet and got in an auto-electrician. Best £80 I have ever spent. Lots of clever guys on the page too.

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Thanks for your reply that look like an interesting page, unfortunately I'm not on Facebook

 

[Dry Rot]

Well, you could always join! There is no actual evidence that Facebook leads to permanent brain damage.

I replaced the cab light in my 390 with one with a 50w bulb and at the same time replaced a rear wing extension and rear lights. Suddenly all hell broke loose. Dash lights failed, range lights didn't work, etc., etc. I convinced myself it was to do with a failed relay (see thread on 390 relays). I spent several weeks part time trying to sort this. Then it had to be a fusible link in the wiring harness. The wiring diagram was misleading and even Massey Fergusion mechanics were baffled. It sems they changed the wiring of 390s in 1992 when mine was built. That explained why the wiring diagram was inaccurate.

I finally got in an auto electrician with experience of tractors and he sorted the lot in two hours for £80. But it is your choice. There was nothing wrong with the dash of my tractor and the fault was a pulled wire in a connector under one wing and a broken filament in the double bulb in one rear.