Instrument Cluster lights out

[xsalernox]

1998 i got, the cluster lights and the lights located were the shifter is all went out. i checked the fuses and there fine, also i doubt that all the lights burnt out @ the same time. i think it could be the switch that lets u dim the lights in side. if u turn it all the way clockwise the lights are on full blast and if u turn them all the way CC it turns the lights off. what should i do, as of now i can see S*HI*T in side my car lol

1st post be nice guys
cheers

[tiFreak]

it might be the headlight switch, you could just leave them on full and not worry about it

[cooljess76]

Originally Posted by tiFreak

it might be the headlight switch, you could just leave them on full and not worry about it

+1, it's definitely the headlight switch. Have you done any electrical work recently, perhaps install a new radio? This commonly happens when you short out one of the grey/red wires going to your interior illumination. The one going to the radio is pretty easy to short out too. Anyway, you'll need to replace your headlight switch or repair it if you have skills. If you remove the switch and take it apart, there's a rheostat that is more than likely blown. It looks like a spring bent into a "horseshoe". You'll have to look very closely at that spring to find out where it's severed. Then you'll need to apply a dab of solder to the break. This is pretty tricky because of the angle and limited space inside of the switch. I would strongly advise you to locate the source of the problem before you try to replace the switch or attempt to repair it as it will probably blow again if the short hasn't been corrected.

[xsalernox]

yes i did upgrade my stock deck. maybe i shorted it out..ill c about getting a switch THX

[RaveX]

Originally Posted by cooljess76

+1, it's definitely the headlight switch. Have you done any electrical work recently, perhaps install a new radio? This commonly happens when you short out one of the grey/red wires going to your interior illumination. The one going to the radio is pretty easy to short out too. Anyway, you'll need to replace your headlight switch or repair it if you have skills. If you remove the switch and take it apart, there's a rheostat that is more than likely blown. It looks like a spring bent into a "horseshoe". You'll have to look very closely at that spring to find out where it's severed. Then you'll need to apply a dab of solder to the break. This is pretty tricky because of the angle and limited space inside of the switch. I would strongly advise you to locate the source of the problem before you try to replace the switch or attempt to repair it as it will probably blow again if the short hasn't been corrected.

Thanks, this thread and other similar ones were helpful in fixing my switch, though I'd note that I had good luck just disassembling and reassembling the switch so that I could easily solder the break.

[cooljess76]

Originally Posted by RaveX

Thanks, this thread and other similar ones were helpful in fixing my switch, though I'd note that I had good luck just disassembling and reassembling the switch so that I could easily solder the break.

Awesome! Glad it helped.