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Subject: "Instrutment cluster lights went out."

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dalesmitsu	Jul-19-11 07:12 PM
Member since May 13th 2006 986 posts,

#105318, "Instrutment cluster lights went out."
Jul-19-11 07:12 PM by dalesmitsu

My dash lights went out Monday evening before dark.

Today, popped the hood searched for a blown fuse. I'm abit confused my 98 rs fuse cover doesn't show Fuse or ampage for the gauge cluster.

I called autozone, person told me its either a 15amp or 10amp and its on the passenger side. Told him thanks then went to look, pull each one all are good. But, I bought some atc 15 amp blade fuse box of 25 in case I need them later on.

As I menioned above still confused where this fuse located.

My ash tray works but the gauge cluster, cigerette light and accerory lights dont work either.

Only, thing I did was I hooked up my aftermarket radio harness to the factory harness. I harness from walmart the scosche brand.

I did unhook the harness and now gauge lights dont work. It did before.

Can someone help me out where this fuse is located at.

__
1995 gs Saved from the crusher
1998 RS gone to(Dsm Heaven)
1997 gs gone to Dsm heaven

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RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out., Moderator

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teklein, Jul-19-11 07:13 PM, #1

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out., dalesmitsu, Jul-19-11 07:17 PM, #2

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out., Moderator

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teklein, Jul-19-11 07:18 PM, #3

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out., dalesmitsu, Jul-19-11 07:21 PM, #4

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out., Administrator

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CODE4, Jul-19-11 07:25 PM, #5

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out., dalesmitsu, Jul-19-11 07:30 PM, #6

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , dalesmitsu, Jul-19-11 08:30 PM, #7

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , ez, Jul-20-11 11:42 AM, #8

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , dalesmitsu, Jul-20-11 11:22 PM, #9

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , RoninEclipse2G, Jul-21-11 12:50 PM, #10

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , azdave, Jul-21-11 03:41 PM, #11

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , ez, Jul-21-11 06:21 PM, #12

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , dalesmitsu, Jul-21-11 09:28 PM, #13

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , azdave, Jul-21-11 10:54 PM, #14

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , dalesmitsu, Jul-24-11 12:58 AM, #15

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , azdave, Jul-24-11 06:15 AM, #16

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , dalesmitsu, Jul-24-11 02:16 PM, #17

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , azdave, Jul-24-11 03:46 PM, #18

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , dalesmitsu, Jul-24-11 04:02 PM, #19

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out, shatteredsilence, Aug-23-11 08:30 PM, #20

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , dalesmitsu, Jul-21-11 09:19 PM, #21

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , dalesmitsu, Jul-24-11 05:44 PM, #22

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , dalesmitsu, Jul-25-11 04:55 PM, #23

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , azdave, Jul-25-11 05:26 PM, #24

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , dalesmitsu, Jul-25-11 05:50 PM, #25

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , dalesmitsu, Jul-25-11 08:47 PM, #26

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , azdave, Jul-26-11 08:17 AM, #27

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , dalesmitsu, Jul-27-11 12:31 AM, #28

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , azdave, Jul-27-11 07:35 AM, #29

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , azdave, Aug-03-11 09:11 AM, #30

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , Cyexmaster, Aug-04-11 12:41 PM, #31

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , azdave, Aug-04-11 01:31 PM, #32

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , dalesmitsu, Aug-05-11 05:29 PM, #33

RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, , azdave, Aug-08-11 04:06 PM, #34

teklein	Jul-19-11 07:13 PM
Member since Nov 04th 2007 1699 posts,

#105319, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out."
In response to Reply # 0

All of your interior lights run through the headlight stalk. If you wiggle mine just right, all the lights will go out including brake lights.

Id check there.

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dalesmitsu	Jul-19-11 07:17 PM
Member since May 13th 2006 986 posts,

#105320, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out."
In response to Reply # 1
Jul-19-11 07:20 PM by dalesmitsu

You mean switch on steering wheel or the bulb for the headlights. I check them out tommorrow, after work. I leave when its light out and come home before dark. Thanks tim

No, I can not wiggle yours Tim. I aint geyh sorry. Lmao emoji

__
1995 gs Saved from the crusher
1998 RS gone to(Dsm Heaven)
1997 gs gone to Dsm heaven

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teklein	Jul-19-11 07:18 PM
Member since Nov 04th 2007 1699 posts,

#105321, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out."
In response to Reply # 2

Originally posted by dalesmitsu
You mean switch on steering wheel or the bulb for the headlights. No, I can not wiggle yours Tim. I aint geyh sorry. Lmao emoji

Lol.

Headlight stalk, left side of column.

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dalesmitsu	Jul-19-11 07:21 PM
Member since May 13th 2006 986 posts,

#105322, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out."
In response to Reply # 3

Originally posted by teklein

Originally posted by dalesmitsu You mean switch on steering wheel or the bulb for the headlights. No, I can not wiggle yours Tim. I aint geyh sorry. Lmao emoji

Lol. Headlight stalk, left side of column.

I did try that when it went but nothing nada. My turn signals brights and headlights brake lights work.

__
1995 gs Saved from the crusher
1998 RS gone to(Dsm Heaven)
1997 gs gone to Dsm heaven

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CODE4	Jul-19-11 07:25 PM
Member since Nov 23rd 2003 2552 posts,

#105323, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out."
In response to Reply # 4

There is no fuse box on the passenger side of the car. Did you check the fuse box under the dash?

---

2012 2500HD LML

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dalesmitsu	Jul-19-11 07:30 PM
Member since May 13th 2006 986 posts,

#105324, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out."
In response to Reply # 5

Originally posted by CODE4
There is no fuse box on the passenger side of the car. Did you check the fuse box under the dash?

Huh?

I didnt know there was one under the dash, just obd2 port. I'll look under there, tommorrow. thankyou code4

__
1995 gs Saved from the crusher
1998 RS gone to(Dsm Heaven)
1997 gs gone to Dsm heaven

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dalesmitsu	Jul-19-11 08:30 PM
Member since May 13th 2006 986 posts,

#105325, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 6

Thanks for quick response to my first set of questions.

Now for my second question. I have to replace my drivers door due to massive dent under the mirror. When I was at pullapart they have my cars twin only difference its 5speed and has power windows.

The doors are rust free, solid no dents same color as mine but they have no glass in them.
The door has no paneling or glass. But it has the wiring for power locks/windows, also has handle on it.

How do I convert the power doors back to manuel and install the glass.

But, if possible I would like to have manuel windows and power locks.
I noticed in my fuse box under the hood its missing fuse for power windows and power locks, since my car is a RS model.

__
1995 gs Saved from the crusher
1998 RS gone to(Dsm Heaven)
1997 gs gone to Dsm heaven

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ez	Jul-20-11 11:42 AM
Old School 2GNTer 3461 posts,

#105326, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 7
Jul-20-11 11:43 AM by ez

Originally posted by dalesmitsu
How do I convert the power doors back to manuel and install the glass. But, if possible I would like to have manuel windows and power locks. I noticed in my fuse box under the hood its missing fuse for power windows and power locks, since my car is a RS model.

EDIT - you mean convert manual to power, right?

You will need all the door components (this includes the electrical switch, interior panel, motor mechanism, and in-door harness), the fuse, as well as the relays. IIRC, there is a relay underneath the stereo, and another one near the steering column/inside fuse box area. If you are near the clutch pedal looking up, you'll see a white box with spots for a relay. Remove the relays from the donor car, don't forget or you're stuck!

2gnt: '99 RS-T, killed by a toyota, pending rebuild...
Daily: Volt
Daily #2: '99 EVG ebike- STOLEN by PEDRO

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dalesmitsu	Jul-20-11 11:22 PM
Member since May 13th 2006 986 posts,

#105327, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 8

Originally posted by ez

Originally posted by dalesmitsu How do I convert the power doors back to manuel and install the glass. But, if possible I would like to have manuel windows and power locks. I noticed in my fuse box under the hood its missing fuse for power windows and power locks, since my car is a RS model.

EDIT - you mean convert manual to power, right? You will need all the door components (this includes the electrical switch, interior panel, motor mechanism, and in-door harness), the fuse, as well as the relays. IIRC, there is a relay underneath the stereo, and another one near the steering column/inside fuse box area. If you are near the clutch pedal looking up, you'll see a white box with spots for a relay. Remove the relays from the donor car, don't forget or you're stuck!

Nope, Power back to stock roll up. My rs has manuel windows and the donor car I at yard has power but has no glass or paneling installed. Only, thing on this donor door is motor mechanism,door handle, plastic door lining and has the wiring switch for the power just hanging.

The door itself is ready to be pulled off. I would have swap my parts from my door over to this good one.

Has anyone removed the window from a door and installed it on to another one.

I would like to keep the manuel save on weight but later on add the factory power locks only because I thought about installing an alarm.

As, for my No dash guage light problem.

I found the fuse panel under the driver's side dash on the floor. Pulled every fuse, all are still good. On the front doesnt say which is the gauge lights ??

Only thing, I think the problem would be is the battery I'm using. Didn't thinking about until tonight, I picked up an used battery from pullapart to get me by. Well, it was abit taller and the posts are towards the aircleaner not to the stock location(strut tower) but positive-negative top post are.
The positive cable could be hitting the hood?? and it loosend the accessory cable that connects to the positive cable.
I also, tried the dimmer on dash, tapped it a few times nothing and wiggle the switch on console still nothing.

Hopefully, this problem will be solved with a new battery replacement.

__
1995 gs Saved from the crusher
1998 RS gone to(Dsm Heaven)
1997 gs gone to Dsm heaven

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RoninEclipse2G	Jul-21-11 12:50 PM
Donating 2GNT member 2745 posts,

#105328, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 9

http://www.2gnt.com/index.php?d=Power_Window_Conversion_Information

Erik P.
Official 2GNT thread Hijacker
Some say that he's driven over more Covenant than he's shot, and that his grenades aren't where you'd expect them to be...
All we know is, He's not The Stig... But he is The Stig's Spartan cousin!

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azdave	Jul-21-11 03:41 PM
Member since Nov 25th 2003 694 posts,

#105329, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 10

Originally posted by dalesmitsu
As, for my No dash guage light problem. I found the fuse panel under the driver's side dash on the floor. Pulled every fuse, all are still good. On the front doesnt say which is the gauge lights ?? Only thing, I think the problem would be is the battery I'm using. Didn't thinking about until tonight, I picked up an used battery from pullapart to get me by. Well, it was abit taller and the posts are towards the aircleaner not to the stock location (strut tower) but positive-negative top post are. The positive cable could be hitting the hood?? and it loosend the accessory cable that connects to the positive cable. I also, tried the dimmer on dash, tapped it a few times nothing and wiggle the switch on console still nothing. Hopefully, this problem will be solved with a new battery replacement.

Let's use some basic logic here. How can a bad battery cause only the lights on the dimmer circuit to be out if the rest of the car has power? If the battery +post was hitting the hood you would have a huge arc welder in action, sparking and smoking. The problem started when you added a harness adapter for the radio so you should follow a schemtaic to the first common point that still has power and then search from there.

The working ash tray light is NOT on the dimmer circuit so that doesn't help (except to prove that your battery must be working and that part of the marker light circuit is still operating).

I don't have schematics at work (and I'm not downloading them here) so I can't give you exact answers where to start but can you reply back if your marker lights are working? I'm guessing they are since the ash tray light works.

You obviously did some damage while hooking up the radio harness. That's the most common cause found when marker lights/dash lights fail. I don't remember there being an individual fuse for just the dimmer lights circuit but until I can review a schematic I can't answer that for sure yet. I'm prety sure the marker lights and dimmer circuit share a common fuse and are fed from a relay under the hood on the left front.

BTW, power for the dimmer circuit and marker lights does not go through the stalk switch. The stalk switch provides only a ground trigger for the relay under the hood.

If I get a chance to look at my service manuals tonight I post back.

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ez	Jul-21-11 06:21 PM
Old School 2GNTer 3461 posts,

#105330, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 11
Jul-21-11 06:21 PM by ez

One of the old timers on this board (he was banned many moons ago) actually determined that the electric window components weigh LESS than the manual window components. After looking at both myself (didn't weigh them though), it was a no-brainer to switch on over to power windows. My fav mod after the turbo and brakes.

Oh, and what dave said emoji

2gnt: '99 RS-T, killed by a toyota, pending rebuild...
Daily: Volt
Daily #2: '99 EVG ebike- STOLEN by PEDRO

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dalesmitsu	Jul-21-11 09:28 PM
Member since May 13th 2006 986 posts,

#105332, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 12

Originally posted by ez
One of the old timers on this board (he was banned many moons ago) actually determined that the electric window components weigh LESS than the manual window components. After looking at both myself (didn't weigh them though), it was a no-brainer to switch on over to power windows. My fav mod after the turbo and brakes. Oh, and what dave said emoji

This is the second time someone brought this up. Please enlightned me, what do you I was banned many moons ago. What did I do wrong?

After thinking about it at work, during this heat wave plus the extra heat from the molding machines. Get to handle raw material known as lexan we make cases from it. Well, I've decided to go power windows option. I hope the everything is still in the donor car I spotted at the junkyard.

__
1995 gs Saved from the crusher
1998 RS gone to(Dsm Heaven)
1997 gs gone to Dsm heaven

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azdave	Jul-21-11 10:54 PM
Member since Nov 25th 2003 694 posts,

#105333, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 13

Originally posted by dalesmitsu

This is the second time someone brought this up.

Read his post again...he was talking about someone else, not you.

Back to the dimmer circuit problem.

Assuming the wiring has not been altered by previous owners it appears you might have damaged or disconnected the dimmer control. Some people call this a reostat but it actually is a pulse width modulator and it provides an adjustable variable ground connection to all of the lights in the dimmer circuit.

I confirmed that the ash tray light is NOT on the dimmed side of the circuit but it does gets power from the same fuse. If the ash tray light works there is no need to check further for any fuses. The only one there is lies under the hood and must be working.

The easiest way I know of to confirm that the dimmer module may be at fault or disconnected is to try this test. Find the black/yellow wire on the back of the cigarette lighter bulb (not the lighter wires itself, the bulb wires).

With the marker light switch turned on, skin a tiny bit of insulation off of the black/yellow wire and temporarily ground the black/yellow wire using a test lead connected to any good ground nearby. This should force all of the gauge lights turn on (they should come on at full brightness).

In effect this test is the same as turning the dimmer knob all the way up to max brightness. Let me know if that turns on the bulbs. If so, you have lost the connection to the dimmer control somehow.

If this doesn't light the gauge lights then there might be a physical disconnection somewhere near that you are unaware of.

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dalesmitsu	Jul-24-11 12:58 AM
Member since May 13th 2006 986 posts,

#105339, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 14

Originally posted by azdave

Originally posted by dalesmitsu This is the second time someone brought this up.

Read his post again...he was talking about someone else, not you. Back to the dimmer circuit problem. Assuming the wiring has not been altered by previous owners it appears you might have damaged or disconnected the dimmer control. Some people call this a reostat but it actually is a pulse width modulator and it provides an adjustable variable ground connection to all of the lights in the dimmer circuit. I confirmed that the ash tray light is NOT on the dimmed side of the circuit but it does gets power from the same fuse. If the ash tray light works there is no need to check further for any fuses. The only one there is lies under the hood and must be working. The easiest way I know of to confirm that the dimmer module may be at fault or disconnected is to try this test. Find the black/yellow wire on the back of the cigarette lighter bulb (not the lighter wires itself, the bulb wires). With the marker light switch turned on, skin a tiny bit of insulation off of the black/yellow wire and temporarily ground the black/yellow wire using a test lead connected to any good ground nearby. This should force all of the gauge lights turn on (they should come on at full brightness). In effect this test is the same as turning the dimmer knob all the way up to max brightness. Let me know if that turns on the bulbs. If so, you have lost the connection to the dimmer control somehow. If this doesn't light the gauge lights then there might be a physical disconnection somewhere near that you are unaware of.

Well, I got try this test out before it rain. My brother used his snap on power probe tester. He it has power but the dimmer switch would need to pulled out.

I unpluged cigerette lighter bulb, the white/black clips going to it. Reinstalled and still nothing.

My shift lights dont light up either, they used to.

Also, there's a red/black wire thats grounded below the lighter my brother said that this wire might've touched something powered/ground and it burnt a fuse.

Oh, my brother mentioned that I shouldnt look in the chiltons for wire specs, go online?

Is there a fuse box behind the glove box when its opened. He said there is.

__
1995 gs Saved from the crusher
1998 RS gone to(Dsm Heaven)
1997 gs gone to Dsm heaven

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azdave	Jul-24-11 06:15 AM
Member since Nov 25th 2003 694 posts,

#105340, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 15

Originally posted by dalesmitsu
Well, I got try this test out before it rain. My brother used his snap on power probe tester. He it has power but the dimmer switch would need to pulled out. I unpluged cigerette lighter bulb, the white/black clips going to it. Reinstalled and still nothing. My shift lights dont light up either, they used to. Also, there's a red/black wire thats grounded below the lighter my brother said that this wire might've touched something powered/ground and it burnt a fuse. Oh, my brother mentioned that I shouldnt look in the chiltons for wire specs, go online? Is there a fuse box behind the glove box when its opened. He said there is.

I don't remember any black and white clips on the cigarette lighter BULB. Those sound like the cigarette lighter socket power and ground wires.

The dimmer switch is very hard to remove (access is tight). That is why I am having you test ground the black wire with the white stripe.

Did you temporarily ground the black wire with the white stripe on the cigarette lighter BULB wires as I requested?

The shift indicator lights are part of the dimmer circuit so it make sense that they are out too.

There should not be any more fuses in the remaining circuit. The only fuse in the dimmer crcuit is the one under the hood protecting the entire marker light/gauge light system after power leaves the marker light relay.

There are no fuses behind the glove box.

Since you said your brother has a tester, pull out the little bulb on the cigarette lighter bulb socket and see if either contact inside the socket gets power when the marker lights are turned on.

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dalesmitsu	Jul-24-11 02:16 PM
Member since May 13th 2006 986 posts,

#105342, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 16

Originally posted by azdave

Originally posted by dalesmitsu Well, I got try this test out before it rain. My brother used his snap on power probe tester. He it has power but the dimmer switch would need to pulled out. I unpluged cigerette lighter bulb, the white/black clips going to it. Reinstalled and still nothing. My shift lights dont light up either, they used to. Also, there's a red/black wire thats grounded below the lighter my brother said that this wire might've touched something powered/ground and it burnt a fuse. Oh, my brother mentioned that I shouldnt look in the chiltons for wire specs, go online? Is there a fuse box behind the glove box when its opened. He said there is.

I don't remember any black and white clips on the cigarette lighter BULB. Those sound like the cigarette lighter socket power and ground wires. The dimmer switch is very hard to remove (access is tight). That is why I am having you test ground the black wire with the white stripe. Did you temporarily ground the black wire with the white stripe on the cigarette lighter BULB wires as I requested? The shift indicator lights are part of the dimmer circuit so it make sense that they are out too. There should not be any more fuses in the remaining circuit. The only fuse in the dimmer crcuit is the one under the hood protecting the entire marker light/gauge light system after power leaves the marker light relay. There are no fuses behind the glove box. Since you said your brother has a tester, pull out the little bulb on the cigarette lighter bulb socket and see if either contact inside the socket gets power when the marker lights are turned on.

Yes, those are them power/ground for the cigeretter lighter.

I told him to test the Black and yellow wire from cigerette lighter, as you requested.
I think he did ground it right, the snap on probe buzzed the - GREEN he said that means there's power. But he didnt turn on the parking/sidemarker lights to see if the dash lights turn.

That's what thought also, no fuses behnind glovebox. Just driverside kick panel and under the hood. Figured he was just snoopin' nothing in my glovebox anyways, lol.

Bulb hasnt been on and I think the light didnt work when I boought the car.

He said I could borrow his tester, so I'll redo this test again and pull the litte bulb test the contact.

__
1995 gs Saved from the crusher
1998 RS gone to(Dsm Heaven)
1997 gs gone to Dsm heaven

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azdave	Jul-24-11 03:46 PM
Member since Nov 25th 2003 694 posts,

#105343, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 17
Jul-24-11 03:50 PM by azdave

Originally posted by dalesmitsu
Yes, those are them power/ground for the cigeretter lighter. I told him to test the Black and yellow wire from cigerette lighter, as you requested. I think he did ground it right, the snap on probe buzzed the - GREEN he said that means there's power. But he didnt turn on the parking/sidemarker lights to see if the dash lights turn. That's what thought also, no fuses behnind glovebox. Just driverside kick panel and under the hood. Figured he was just snoopin' nothing in my glovebox anyways, lol. Bulb hasnt been on and I think the light didnt work when I boought the car. He said I could borrow his tester, so I'll redo this test again and pull the litte bulb test the contact.

I tried...very hard to diagnose electrical problems over the net.

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dalesmitsu	Jul-24-11 04:02 PM
Member since May 13th 2006 986 posts,

#105344, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 18
Jul-24-11 05:02 PM by dalesmitsu

Originally posted by azdave

Originally posted by dalesmitsu Yes, those are them power/ground for the cigeretter lighter. I told him to test the Black and yellow wire from cigerette lighter, as you requested. I think he did ground it right, the snap on probe buzzed the - GREEN he said that means there's power. But he didnt turn on the parking/sidemarker lights to see if the dash lights turn. That's what thought also, no fuses behnind glovebox. Just driverside kick panel and under the hood. Figured he was just snoopin' nothing in my glovebox anyways, lol. Bulb hasnt been on and I think the light didnt work when I boought the car. He said I could borrow his tester, so I'll redo this test again and pull the litte bulb test the contact.

I tried...very hard to diagnose electrical problems over the net.

You're a huge help with this azdave, thanks man.

Its my brother, he thinks that reading/learning from forums is useless. He's partially ASE cerftified only electrical, and bull headed.

I'll come back with my results,doing laundry lol. I do think he tested it wrong.

Just finished doing the test, followed your method and took pictures this time.

__
1995 gs Saved from the crusher
1998 RS gone to(Dsm Heaven)
1997 gs gone to Dsm heaven

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shatteredsilence	Aug-23-11 08:30 PM
Member since Jul 02nd 2011 10 posts,

#105405, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out"
In response to Reply # 19

i had the same issue with all the dash lights, turns out as i was installing the "cigar" lighter as the fuse box on the 96 gs says i connected two wrong wires and when i put my lights on i shorted out the dimmer switch, smelt terrible and smoke came out. i took out the switch and cut the plugs wires and connected the black wire with the black wire with a yellow stripe and tapped off the green with white stripe. put my lights back on and i forgot that i never undid the botched wire job on the cigar lighter, blew the taillight fuse under the hood. A quick 15amp fuse did the trick everything is back to normal just with a bypassed dimmer switch emoji

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dalesmitsu	Jul-21-11 09:19 PM
Member since May 13th 2006 986 posts,

#105331, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 11
Jul-21-11 09:19 PM by dalesmitsu

Originally posted by azdave

Originally posted by dalesmitsu As, for my No dash guage light problem. I found the fuse panel under the driver's side dash on the floor. Pulled every fuse, all are still good. On the front doesnt say which is the gauge lights ?? Only thing, I think the problem would be is the battery I'm using. Didn't thinking about until tonight, I picked up an used battery from pullapart to get me by. Well, it was abit taller and the posts are towards the aircleaner not to the stock location (strut tower) but positive-negative top post are. The positive cable could be hitting the hood?? and it loosend the accessory cable that connects to the positive cable. I also, tried the dimmer on dash, tapped it a few times nothing and wiggle the switch on console still nothing. Hopefully, this problem will be solved with a new battery replacement.

Let's use some basic logic here. How can a bad battery cause only the lights on the dimmer circuit to be out if the rest of the car has power? If the battery +post was hitting the hood you would have a huge arc welder in action, sparking and smoking. The problem started when you added a harness adapter for the radio so you should follow a schemtaic to the first common point that still has power and then search from there. The working ash tray light is NOT on the dimmer circuit so that doesn't help (except to prove that your battery must be working and that part of the marker light circuit is still operating). I don't have schematics at work (and I'm not downloading them here) so I can't give you exact answers where to start but can you reply back if your marker lights are working? I'm guessing they are since the ash tray light works. You obviously did some damage while hooking up the radio harness. That's the most common cause found when marker lights/dash lights fail. I don't remember there being an individual fuse for just the dimmer lights circuit but until I can review a schematic I can't answer that for sure yet. I'm prety sure the marker lights and dimmer circuit share a common fuse and are fed from a relay under the hood on the left front. BTW, power for the dimmer circuit and marker lights does not go through the stalk switch. The stalk switch provides only a ground trigger for the relay under the hood. If I get a chance to look at my service manuals tonight I post back.

Yes, correct. When I installed the harness is when the dash lights went out. I installed the harness correctly and only taped the two orange wires together on the harness because my headunit doesn't have a dimmer. Sidemarkers, do work.

I'll look in the chiltons for the schematic and check the relay tommorrow.

__
1995 gs Saved from the crusher
1998 RS gone to(Dsm Heaven)
1997 gs gone to Dsm heaven

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dalesmitsu	Jul-24-11 05:44 PM
Member since May 13th 2006 986 posts,

#105348, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 21

Just finished doing the test, followed your method and took pictures this time.

Took these while key in on position with headlight on.

This black/yellow is the bulb, peeled back abit to perform this test.

Before: still have key ON and headlights On.

After: With light on tester lights up and touching black/yellow wire. With headlights on and Key on.

Also, tested the cigerette lighter
Test light off.

Test light on.

Here's my other concern. This Red/Black has been cut.

This same black/red wire is also grounded here.

And notice it runs into the factory radio harness. Not sure, if this means anything thought I post this up also.

Factory harness does have power to two spots.

Here

and here.

Since it was daylight out, I put a towel over the dash to see if the dash lights come while touching the yellow/black wire from the cigerette lighter bulb. It was hard to see but headlights still worked of course.

__
1995 gs Saved from the crusher
1998 RS gone to(Dsm Heaven)
1997 gs gone to Dsm heaven

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dalesmitsu	Jul-25-11 04:55 PM
Member since May 13th 2006 986 posts,

#105353, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 22

I just hooked my actron obd2pocket scan, my obd2 port is getting power. But, its not throwing any codes. If this helps.

__
1995 gs Saved from the crusher
1998 RS gone to(Dsm Heaven)
1997 gs gone to Dsm heaven

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azdave	Jul-25-11 05:26 PM
Member since Nov 25th 2003 694 posts,

#105354, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 23

You do not need the ignition key in the on position for these tests unless I tell you later. You only need to turn on the marker light switch.

Testing the OBDII plug means nothing. It will have no relationship to your problem. Same thing when testing the cigarette lighter socket. Power to the cigarette lighter socket is completely independant of your dimmable gauge lights. It is only the cigarette lighter illumination bulb that we are interested in working with.

Testing the radio connector plug doesn't prove anything yet. It might need testing later but you first need to confirm if the gauge lights came on when you ground the black/yellow wire.

To proceed from here I guess wait until dark. I need to know if the dash lights turn on when you grounded the black/yellow wire. You need to ground the wire temporarily to the chassis, not just probe it with the test light. If the test probe lit up when you touched the black/yellow wire that is good but it does not prove the same thing as fully grounding the wire. I see no pics where the black/yellow wire is grounded temporarily as a test.

If that mystery red/black wire is grounded to the chassis (as seen in the pics) then touch that loose wire end to the black/yellow and let's see if the dash gauges light up.

The red/black wire is obviously an added wire as that is not a OEM wire connector where it is attached to the metal dash support.

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dalesmitsu	Jul-25-11 05:50 PM
Member since May 13th 2006 986 posts,

#105355, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 24
Jul-25-11 05:53 PM by dalesmitsu

Originally posted by azdave
You do not need the ignition key in the on position for these tests unless I tell you later. You only need to turn on the marker light switch. Testing the OBDII plug means nothing. It will have no relationship to your problem. Same thing when testing the cigarette lighter socket. Power to the cigarette lighter socket is completely independant of your dimmable gauge lights. It is only the cigarette lighter illumination bulb that we are interested in working with. Testing the radio connector plug doesn't prove anything yet. It might need testing later but you first need to confirm if the gauge lights came on when you ground the black/yellow wire. To proceed from here I guess wait until dark. I need to know if the dash lights turn on when you grounded the black/yellow wire. You need to ground the wire temporarily to the chassis, not just probe it with the test light. If the test probe lit up when you touched the black/yellow wire that is good but it does not prove the same thing as fully grounding the wire. I see no pics where the black/yellow wire is grounded temporarily as a test. If that mystery red/black wire is grounded to the chassis (as seen in the pics) then touch that loose wire end to the black/yellow and let's see if the dash gauges light up. The red/black wire is obviously an added wire as that is not a OEM wire connector where it is attached to the metal dash support.

Yes, red/black wire is grounded to the chasis. I'll try it again in about an hour.

That red/black looks like its connected to this Yellow connector not sure what it is.

Runs to the factory harness here.

__
1995 gs Saved from the crusher
1998 RS gone to(Dsm Heaven)
1997 gs gone to Dsm heaven

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dalesmitsu	Jul-25-11 08:47 PM
Member since May 13th 2006 986 posts,

#105356, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 25
Jul-25-11 09:03 PM by dalesmitsu

I did your test, azdave. I rewired the loose red/black wire thats grounded to the chasis, to the cigerette lighter light bulb. Turn my marker/parking lights on. Low behold, everything lights up and its very bright also my headlights are too.
If its ok I taped red/black wire to the black and yellow bulb wire, with electrical taped.

Everything turns off and in as it should
But, now the round dimmer switch can't adjust the dash gauge lights.
Time to trace the lost connection to the dimmer control.

My brother did look under the dimmer control, messed with something not sure what. But the chime when I turn the key on doesn't chime.

__
1995 gs Saved from the crusher
1998 RS gone to(Dsm Heaven)
1997 gs gone to Dsm heaven

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azdave	Jul-26-11 08:17 AM
Member since Nov 25th 2003 694 posts,

#105357, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 26

Originally posted by dalesmitsu
I did your test, azdave. I rewired the loose red/black wire thats grounded to the chasis, to the cigerette lighter light bulb. Turn my marker/parking lights on. Low behold, everything lights up and its very bright also my headlights are too. If its ok I taped red/black wire to the black and yellow bulb wire, with electrical taped. Everything turns off and in as it should But, now the round dimmer switch can't adjust the dash gauge lights. Time to trace the lost connection to the dimmer control. My brother did look under the dimmer control, messed with something not sure what. But the chime when I turn the key on doesn't chime.

So here is where you are. Temporarily grounding the black/yellow wire simulates the dimmer knob being turned all the way up. If you are busy you could leave it this way for now with no harm until repaired later but your dash lights would always be at full brightness.

The performance of your headlights have nothing to do with this problem. This problem we are chasing is only affecting the dimmable lights inside the car and nothing else.

Yes, the dimmer knob will do nothing right now. The function of the dimmer knob is effectively bypassed as long as the black/yellow wire remains temporarily grounded.

If you want the dimmer knob to function properly you will need to check the wires feeding it.
Note: The factory service manual contains an error when it comes to the dimmer unit wire schematic.
The manual shows that the knob has a dimmable light bulb inside to illuminate it at night. It does not.

If you can unplug the connector on the back of the dimmer you could perform a similar test as above. To do this test you will first have to disconnect the two wires you spliced in the first test or you won't get valid results. Again, you will want the marker light switch turned on for this test but not the ignition or headlights.

One wire to the dimmer unit will be a constant ground wire. The other wire will be the same as the black/yellow wire we have been testing. If you have the connector unplugged and dangling down, take a paper clip and touch the two terminals inside the connector shell together. This should produce the excact same results as the first test. If you don't get full bright dash lights with this test then you know you have a cut wire feeding the dimmer.

If you DO get full bright dash lights with this test then the dimmer unit might have failed (but try to plug it back in a see if maybe it was only a loose connector).

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dalesmitsu	Jul-27-11 12:31 AM
Member since May 13th 2006 986 posts,

#105364, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 27

Originally posted by azdave

Originally posted by dalesmitsu I did your test, azdave. I rewired the loose red/black wire thats grounded to the chasis, to the cigerette lighter light bulb. Turn my marker/parking lights on. Low behold, everything lights up and its very bright also my headlights are too. If its ok I taped red/black wire to the black and yellow bulb wire, with electrical taped. Everything turns off and in as it should But, now the round dimmer switch can't adjust the dash gauge lights. Time to trace the lost connection to the dimmer control. My brother did look under the dimmer control, messed with something not sure what. But the chime when I turn the key on doesn't chime.

So here is where you are. Temporarily grounding the black/yellow wire simulates the dimmer knob being turned all the way up. If you are busy you could leave it this way for now with no harm until repaired later but your dash lights would always be at full brightness. The performance of your headlights have nothing to do with this problem. This problem we are chasing is only affecting the dimmable lights inside the car and nothing else. Yes, the dimmer knob will do nothing right now. The function of the dimmer knob is effectively bypassed as long as the black/yellow wire remains temporarily grounded. If you want the dimmer knob to function properly you will need to check the wires feeding it. Note: The factory service manual contains an error when it comes to the dimmer unit wire schematic. The manual shows that the knob has a dimmable light bulb inside to illuminate it at night. It does not. If you can unplug the connector on the back of the dimmer you could perform a similar test as above. To do this test you will first have to disconnect the two wires you spliced in the first test or you won't get valid results. Again, you will want the marker light switch turned on for this test but not the ignition or headlights. One wire to the dimmer unit will be a constant ground wire. The other wire will be the same as the black/yellow wire we have been testing. If you have the connector unplugged and dangling down, take a paper clip and touch the two terminals inside the connector shell together. This should produce the excact same results as the first test. If you don't get full bright dash lights with this test then you know you have a cut wire feeding the dimmer. If you DO get full bright dash lights with this test then the dimmer unit might have failed (but try to plug it back in a see if maybe it was only a loose connector).

I'll try it sometime today but I'll leave it taped to the bulb for the moment.

I'm figuring out trace where the red/black wire went to.

__
1995 gs Saved from the crusher
1998 RS gone to(Dsm Heaven)
1997 gs gone to Dsm heaven

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azdave	Jul-27-11 07:35 AM
Member since Nov 25th 2003 694 posts,

#105366, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 28

Originally posted by dalesmitsu
I'm figuring out trace where the red/black wire went to.

Remember that the previous owner could have used red/black wires on several different wiring mods and just because you find two loose red/black wires doesn't neccessariy mean that they used to be connected.

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azdave	Aug-03-11 09:11 AM
Member since Nov 25th 2003 694 posts,

#105379, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 29
Aug-03-11 09:12 AM by azdave

I happened to run across this dimmer while I was packing my house to move.

Just in case you (or anyone else) ever comes back here to fix the problem here is one final bit of information.

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Cyexmaster	Aug-04-11 12:41 PM
Member since Nov 28th 2007 324 posts,

#105380, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 30

I have a similar problem, but in my case only half the cluster lights up.

The left side (tach, water temp) does not light up. Also the turn signals and the high beam light dont light up.

And the head lights only work on the drivers side the passenger side on works on low beam but very dimm and with both the low beam and high beam on at the same time.

Any info on this?

Status- Need to do break-in...

Try not to challenge me, I'd rather tie up than lose. Either way you NEVER WIN.... - Me..

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azdave	Aug-04-11 01:31 PM
Member since Nov 25th 2003 694 posts,

#105381, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 31

Originally posted by Cyexmaster
I have a similar problem, but in my case only half the cluster lights up. The left side (tach, water temp) does not light up. Also the turn signals and the high beam light dont light up. And the head lights only work on the drivers side the passenger side on works on low beam but very dimm and with both the low beam and high beam on at the same time. Any info on this?

I would start a new thread because these issues are not related to what we have discussed up until now.

My quick guesses.
Partial gauge lights and indicator lights?
Bad socket behind the cluster or bulbs simply burned out.

Passenger side headlamp issue?
Bad ground possibly or corrosion on wires/contacts.

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dalesmitsu	Aug-05-11 05:29 PM
Member since May 13th 2006 986 posts,

#105382, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 32

Would've replied back but I'm starting to move again. My brother bailed out on this house we're sharing. Had to find out from our mother, she going through a tough one so I'm gonna help her out with exchange I have a garage space.

Found the dimmer switch was pita to reach but the plug is still connected. I pressed the plug in an jiggle it and tried to see if it was loose. Results, dash lights light up when I unplugged the loose wire spliced into cigerette lighter bulb( yellow/Black) wire. So, rewired it backup, for the time being.

I did give a closer look at my aftermarket harness. Notice, that the solid orange wire says Dash lights/Illumination. But, the poineer harness doesnt have a orange wire for dash lights?

__
1995 gs Saved from the crusher
1998 RS gone to(Dsm Heaven)
1997 gs gone to Dsm heaven

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azdave	Aug-08-11 04:06 PM
Member since Nov 25th 2003 694 posts,

#105389, "RE: Instrutment cluster lights went out. Second question, "
In response to Reply # 33

Originally posted by dalesmitsu
I did give a closer look at my aftermarket harness. Notice, that the solid orange wire says Dash lights/Illumination. But, the poineer harness doesnt have a orange wire for dash lights?

Many aftermarket radios no longer have a dash light/illumination wire input.

In the old days some lights on the radios stayed lit up and dimmed even if the radio was off so that in the dark you could still find the radio.

These days the newer aftermarket radios go completely black when switched off and no illuumination wire input is provided.

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