96 EX Coupe Dash Light Failure

[Ben1600]

Hey I'm having a problem with the dash lights on my 96 EX Coupe. When I turn on the headlights, they don't work(the gauge lights, radio light, temp cluster), but if the headlights are off the radio light works and so does the gear indicator light on the dash(P,R,N,D). Also, the power mirror switch isn't working at all, not sure if that is the same problem though. Anyone know what's up?

 

[RonJ]

Is your dimmer switch (left of steering wheel in the dash) turned all the way down?

Is 7.5A dash fuse 30 blown?

 

[Ben1600]

The dimmer switch doesn't do anything, all the fuses look ok. I'm not sure which one is number 30 though.

 

[RonJ]

Check the installed fuse for voltage at both top test tabs with a test light.

 

[Ben1600]

Yeah I checked the fuse in slot 30 again and it looked fine. What/where are the top test tabs?

 

[RonJ]

What/where are the top test tabs?

Click the Fuses link in my signature.

 

[emerican]

RonJs signature has helped more people than google lol.

 

[Ben1600]

Oh ok, now I see. I'm at work right now so I'll check it tomorrow. So what should I do in each case, say if the light only works on one side or works on both?

 

[RonJ]

Oh ok, now I see. I'm at work right now so I'll check it tomorrow. So what should I do in each case, say if the light only works on one side or works on both?

If there's voltage on only one tab, then the fuse is blown.

If there's voltage on neither tab, there's a problem upstream of the fuse in the circuit.

If there's voltage on both tabs, all is fine. In this case, you would next test the dimmer switch. Pry it out of the dash, unplug it, and use a jumper wire to short the red wire to the black wire in the free connector. Do the lights now work?

 

[Ben1600]

Yup, just checked the fise and it was fine, looks like it is the dimmer switch. How do I take it out, do I have to take the dash apart or does it just pop out? And this still does not explain why the power mirror switch not working, what could cause that?

 

[RonJ]

How do I take it out, do I have to take the dash apart or does it just pop out?

Pry it out of the dash

And this still does not explain why the power mirror switch not working, what could cause that?

Did you test fuse 17?

 

[Ben1600]

Tested fuse 17, 10, and 11 and all were fine.

 

[Ben1600]

So I tried the jumper wire and still no dash lights. The power mirrors don't work, and now the dome light won't turn on when I open the door, what the heck is wrong with my car?

 

[RonJ]

Have the wire harnesses under the dash been tampered with? Any recent electrical work?

 

[Ben1600]

I have no idea, I just bought the car about two weeks ago and the kid had an aftermarket radio and security system, and subs in the trunk I think. HE took the stereo and subs when I bought it though. Not sure if that has anything to do with the harness crapping out. Also, there is this weird looking plunger with wires going to it right by the fuse box that does not look like a stock application.

 

[Ben1600]

Ok, it's definitely a wiring problem. Tonight I turned on the headlights and the gauge cluster lit up, as well as the fan speed area, but still no power to the mirrors and no dome light when opening the door. Is this something Icould fix easily myself or should I take it to a shop?