1998 F150 10th Gen, Instrument Cluster Fuse #29

1998 FORD F-150
249,000 MILES • 5.4L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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TEXACA
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I have 1998 Ford F150 3dr Base V8, 5.4L, Vin-L..

Back in December my Instrument cluster stop working, it was very humid at night. I found that Mini Fuse #29, 5 amp had blown, the one that powers the Instrument Cluster. I replaced the fuse, a week or so later the fuse blew again. I replaced the fuse, it blew again, only this time sooner. I replaced it again, it blew again, even quicker. So now it blows the moment I turn on the Ignition key to start the vehicle instantaneously...
I tried using a power probe to check problem. If I apply power to the Fuse Circuit using the Power Probe the Instrument Cluster and all the gauges work on, but it'll still blow fuses. I don't have a circuit diagram to diagnose this problem.

Thank you
Jan 8, 2026 at 9:51 AM
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STRAILER
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So this fuse runs four different items, I would unplug then one at a time to see which one does not blow the fuse when replaced, here are the items so you can see which ones they are. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
Jan 10, 2026 at 9:32 AM
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TEXACA
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... Thank you, hopefully I can follow on Tuesday on this electrical issue with my Ford F150.

Thank you for the info, time, and follow up.
Jan 11, 2026 at 3:26 PM
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STRAILER
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Np, If I had to guess I would say it will be the cluster or the transmission control switch.
Jan 12, 2026 at 11:43 AM
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TEXACA
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what exactly is a Transmission Control switch? and would that affect the operation of the transmission? At present, I am not having any issues with the transmission, or its operation.
Jan 12, 2026 at 8:34 PM
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STRAILER
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Okay, then it will be one of these items or you have a supply wire to one of these that is shorted to ground so keep you eyes open while you are incepting the wiring harness. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes
Jan 13, 2026 at 5:15 PM