Topic: Dash lights out

[Justin]

I have the same issue Damon. I can't figure mine out either. But I know for a fact random wires were cut for no reason by the previous owner so for now I deal with it until I get a new harness. It is not the cluster. I replaced it and had it test. I also replaced the headlight switch and the dimmer does not work and never has.

[ta78w72]

Measure for power at pin number 1 of the white cluster connector.  If you don't have power there with the light switch on, work your way back.  That's about all you can do.  You need to use the volt meter as your "eyes" to locate the problem.

[Damon23]

Thanks, pin 1 has no power. That is the grey wire. Fuses are good so it has to be a ground somewhere. My harness is untouched. I'm thinking that I am the first one to remove that cluster. The bulb holders must have been broken by someone trying to get to them from under the dash instead of taking out the cluster. I hate issues like this. It is always something so stupid once you find it. Thanks for all the pointers.

BTW, yes, I do have tail lights. All lights work on the car inside and out except for the dash lights. Even the seatbelt and brake lights along with the high beam indicator in the cluster work.

[ta78w72]

Have you measured power at the switch?  That switch has a rheostat that dims or brightens the lights.  Since it's a moving part, it can fail.

Edit:  In reading the entire thread I see that the switch has already been mentioned.  Have you already changed it?

[Damon23]

Yes, brand new switch. I dont know which wires on the switch throw power to the cluster harness. Waiting on a diagram from a friend. Hopefully I can figure this out.

[TorqueKMA]

I had this same exact problem. The solution ended up being this simple black ground wire i found directly under the steering wheel. once i hooked that up to the closest piece of metal my gauges lit up nicely and the tail lights got stronger.

[Cbled56]

There also is a ground on the gauge cluster as well below the light switch have you checked it?  Sounds like it is a grounding issue somewhere.

[ta78w72]

If pin 1 has no power....how on earth could the problem be a bad ground?  The problem is no power on pin 1.  Your volt meter supplies the ground.  You need to work backwards towards the fuse box to find the break in the line.  Or, you have no power at the fuse box.  Measure at the small fuse on the bottom drivers side.  Measure both sides.....You may have a bad fuse.  But you could follow from the fuse to back up the line too.