Now my dash lights are out!

[So Bay Vetter]

I had the battery on my 96 disconnected this weekend so tonight, while driving, I was re-setting my radio stations when POOF! every light connected to the dimmer switch quit working; dash, doors, rear view mirror, but I never touched the dimmer switch! Domes still work from switch. Would the dimmer switch fail without touching it?

 

[vee93]

Aggravating, I know. Just a thought... Check your mini and maxi fuses---#1 in the maxi fuse box under the hood is 20A. Good luck!!!

 

[87blackroxi]

A few months back I lost my dash lights too! Mine came from a loose connection. But I agree, fuses are usualy a good place to start.

 

[Jeb]

Are your tail lights working?

 

[So Bay Vetter]

No Tail lights!

Are your tail lights working?

No! the fuse is blown for the tail lights. How did you know that???

 

[Jeb]

The dash lights are on the same circuit so that when you lose a tail light, the dash lights go out and you'll know it. GM's done that for a while now but they really don't publicize it as much as they should.

Once you figure out what blew that fuse, you should be all set.

 

[slapshot]

I'd try changing the fuse first, since that is an inexpensive repair. If the fuse blows again, then start looking for a short somewhere or some type of problems that would blow the fuse.

 

[So Bay Vetter]

Problem fixed, I think . . .

Acting on Jeb's info I replaced the fuse and found 2 of the 4 tailights out. As I started to replace them, one of the others came on but was stuck on bright (which kept the blinker from working as well). Ultimitely I changed all four (about $7). Dash lights are back on, blinkes are working, all is good with the world . . . for now!

Thanks Jeb! your experience was invaluable!

 

[Jeb]

Every once in a while I get lucky. You're welcome.