Dash lights and others not working
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Teching In
Joined: Aug 2006
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Dash lights and others not working Hello, I have an '02 SS and my dash lights along with the shift column light and the two small lights by the window and lock switches wont come on. The fuse is good for the dash but the lights still don't come on. Does anyone know anything about this? Also my front right turn signal is out, I believe the socket is bad but when I test the wires, I don't seem to be getting power to the socket. Does anyone know of any other problem that might stop the turn signal from working especially when all the other lights work? Thanks for any advice/help anyone can give. 
Its something with the fuse or the wires going to or coming from the fuse. Its next to impossible for all to go out at once, I would check the fuse again, also make sure its the right size etc...
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,328
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Replace the IP DIMMER fuse first - just because a fuse looks good doesn't mean it isn't blown. Also check that you didn't accidentally turn the dimmer **** all the way down. I know these sound obvious but sometimes the obvious things come back to bite you. I will assume since you didn't mention it that your taillights still work, otherwise test or replace the TAIL LPS fuse (which provides power to the IP DIMMER fuse).
Other than that, you're going to have to go looking for a break somewhere in the gray wire from the dimmer switch because all the dash lights feed off of that.
As far as the front DRL/signal light goes, if you're not getting power on the blue wire when the turn signal is on then you'll have to trace for a break in the wire someplace between the socket and the DRL module under the dash. It is also possible that the DRL module itself is bad - test for power going in on the dark blue with white wire and coming out on the dark blue wire.
Other than that, you're going to have to go looking for a break somewhere in the gray wire from the dimmer switch because all the dash lights feed off of that.
As far as the front DRL/signal light goes, if you're not getting power on the blue wire when the turn signal is on then you'll have to trace for a break in the wire someplace between the socket and the DRL module under the dash. It is also possible that the DRL module itself is bad - test for power going in on the dark blue with white wire and coming out on the dark blue wire.
Sorry to hijack your thread, but my dash lights aren't working either. If I use the dimmer switch and place it all the way up, the interior lights go on, but not the dash. Could it still be the dimmer fuse? The headlights and all the other lights still work in the car.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,328
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
The dimmer switch is actually two separate switches combined. The dial portion is a rheostat (a variable resistor) that controls the dash illumination through the IP DIMMER fuse. When you turn it all the way up, it closes a separate switch that operates the courtesy lights through the COURTESY fuse by sending a ground signal to the BCM.
So yes, the courtesy lights portion would still work if the IP DIMMER fuse was blown. Of course, in the time it took to post and get an answer, you could have just checked the fuse.
So yes, the courtesy lights portion would still work if the IP DIMMER fuse was blown. Of course, in the time it took to post and get an answer, you could have just checked the fuse.
I had the same thing happen with my car. It was a fuse inside the car, the lights that weren't working were the ones that illuminate the gauges, but the rest of the lights work, i.e. SES and odometer. BTW, I believe the "Gauges" fuse in the side compartment also controls the taillights. A buddy called me as I was driving to let me know the taillights weren't on. I couldn't tell, everything else seemed fine to me. I think that was the one, I just remember, I thought it shouldn't have anything to do with the taillights, so you may want to make sure those are working before heading out tonight.
