Dash Back Lights Out...

Sandite5 · 07-01-2008, 12:19 PM

As it reads, the dash back lights are out along with the back lights behind the A/C and Fan Dials. Obviously this is only an issue when it comes to night time driving, but an issue none the less.

All the alarm lights work (Check Engine, Air Bag, Seatbelt, etc.) along with the Odometer and Turn Signals, they're good to go. All the gauges are fine and dandy. I know the headlights are signaling them (the back lights) to come on as the Digi-Odo brightens up when they flip on at night, or when I manually turn them on.

I've checked the fuses in the fusebox and everything seems to be in good order. I even pulled the dash off, along with the gauge cluter hoping there was a loose wire somewhere to no avail. Now that I think about it, it was all in vein as those back light wires from both clusters had to come together somewhere? I'm just not sure if there is a inline fuse somewhere that I can't get to.

Oh, and yes all the bulbs are good!

DailyDraggerz · 07-01-2008, 12:59 PM

it could be the grounds... but im not 100% sure on that..

Sandite5 · 07-01-2008, 01:32 PM

Well another thing I noted. When you flip on your head lights and adjust the dimmer dial, does it also adjust the brightness of the Digi-Odo?

Logic would suggest it would, but mine does not adjust. Bad dial maybe?

Sandite5 · 07-01-2008, 09:06 PM

Further investigation leads to Terminal 12 on the IP Fuse Block (In-Cab Fuse Box) called the ILLUM port. I removed the fuse and hit the two terminals with a muli-meter, nada. I then shorted a hot terminal to the bottom ILLUM port (it's the one that leads to the gauge cluster lights) and viola, Dash Lights!

So now I believe my issue to be a Dark Green wire leading into the fuse box that's supposed to be carrying +12v, which is not. I've checked a couple of wiring diagrams, but I'm stumped as where this Dk Green wire comes from. Any ideas? Maybe there is a fusible link somewhere in line?

Sandite5 · 07-02-2008, 06:31 PM

FIXED!!

There was a short in the dimmer dial that didn't complete the circuit. Who knew a faulty dimmer could knock out those lights.

Thanks to fixing it myself, rather than taking it to a mechanic, I now know all there is to know about that damn dimmer switch, lol! Plus I saved $40 for a new part.

07-01-2008, 12:19 PM	#1
Sandite5 00' S10 Owner Age: 23 Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 62 Location: Tulsa, OK User is: OffLine	Dash Back Lights Out... As it reads, the dash back lights are out along with the back lights behind the A/C and Fan Dials. Obviously this is only an issue when it comes to night time driving, but an issue none the less. All the alarm lights work (Check Engine, Air Bag, Seatbelt, etc.) along with the Odometer and Turn Signals, they're good to go. All the gauges are fine and dandy. I know the headlights are signaling them (the back lights) to come on as the Digi-Odo brightens up when they flip on at night, or when I manually turn them on. I've checked the fuses in the fusebox and everything seems to be in good order. I even pulled the dash off, along with the gauge cluter hoping there was a loose wire somewhere to no avail. Now that I think about it, it was all in vein as those back light wires from both clusters had to come together somewhere? I'm just not sure if there is a inline fuse somewhere that I can't get to. Oh, and yes all the bulbs are good!
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-01-2008, 12:59 PM	#2
DailyDraggerz eCkO Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 507 Location: Fresno User is: OffLine	Re: Dash Back Lights Out... it could be the grounds... but im not 100% sure on that..
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-01-2008, 01:32 PM	#3
Sandite5 00' S10 Owner Age: 23 Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 62 Location: Tulsa, OK User is: OffLine	Re: Dash Back Lights Out... Well another thing I noted. When you flip on your head lights and adjust the dimmer dial, does it also adjust the brightness of the Digi-Odo? Logic would suggest it would, but mine does not adjust. Bad dial maybe?
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-01-2008, 09:06 PM	#4
Sandite5 00' S10 Owner Age: 23 Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 62 Location: Tulsa, OK User is: OffLine	Re: Dash Back Lights Out... Further investigation leads to Terminal 12 on the IP Fuse Block (In-Cab Fuse Box) called the ILLUM port. I removed the fuse and hit the two terminals with a muli-meter, nada. I then shorted a hot terminal to the bottom ILLUM port (it's the one that leads to the gauge cluster lights) and viola, Dash Lights! So now I believe my issue to be a Dark Green wire leading into the fuse box that's supposed to be carrying +12v, which is not. I've checked a couple of wiring diagrams, but I'm stumped as where this Dk Green wire comes from. Any ideas? Maybe there is a fusible link somewhere in line? Last edited by Sandite5 : 07-01-2008 at 09:13 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2008, 06:31 PM	#5
Sandite5 00' S10 Owner Age: 23 Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 62 Location: Tulsa, OK User is: OffLine	Re: Dash Back Lights Out... FIXED!! There was a short in the dimmer dial that didn't complete the circuit. Who knew a faulty dimmer could knock out those lights. Thanks to fixing it myself, rather than taking it to a mechanic, I now know all there is to know about that damn dimmer switch, lol! Plus I saved $40 for a new part.
	[Reply w/Quote]


S10Forum is the premier S-Series Site on the internet. Registered Users do not see the above ads. Please Register - It's Free!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)