No Dash and parking lights 96 Lumina

I've got a 96 lumina and for some reason the instrument and parking lights don't come on. The radio doesn't dim either (don't know if this is connected) If the light sensor fails (or is removed) would this automatically dim all the lights?

They don't come on automatically or with the switch?

Isnt there a switch to dim the lights next to the headlight switch have u tried that ?

The headlights come on but not the tail lights or instrument panel. I tried changing the headlamp/dimmer switch but thats not the problem. The only other thing I can figure is the daytime running lights module. But why would the tail lights not come on when I turn on the head lights?

The headlights come on but not the tail lights or instrument panel. I tried changing the headlamp/dimmer switch but thats not the problem. The only other thing I can figure is the daytime running lights module. But why would the tail lights not come on when I turn on the head lights?

I have the same problem. I changed the headlight switch but it had no effect. The headlights and taillights are not on the same circuit. Tail lights are on the same circuit as the park lights and side marker lights. I found a fuse for taillights in the right side Instrument panel fuse compartment and a fuse for park lights in the left hand engine compartment fuse block. Both were good. Now I am checking into day time running lights.

I have the same problem now too. No tail/parking lights, side markers, dash lights, and the chime for when the door is open and lights left on do not work. I checked the headlamp switch, seems to be in perfect condition. I am gonna trace the wires if posible, see what they go to, and check into the daytime running module. Has to be a problem here somewhere. If anyone found the problem, please post it! Thanks!

I went to one repair shop. (to get a replacment headlight, and hood, caused by crash) They changed switch, but still no dash lights. They said to check under the carpet around the doors. Wires could be corroded. Going into a different place tomorrow to get it checked and repaired. Will post problem!

Ok, the problem that I discovered, was corroded wires at the fuse. The engine compartment fuse panel on the driver side. Wires removed from panel and an inline fuse installed, corrected the problem. Only thing, you need to add a wire, or do the same for the horn to work, as it is on the same power wire.

did anyone try seeing if there is power at the fuse or look for a bad fuse in the passenger compartment. It is known that a bad tail light fuse will shut off the side marker lights and dash lights as well.

Weird, I had the exact same problem in my 92 Lumina, horn stopped working, figured I could do without horn, then one night, turned on the headlights...and nothing. Turned out to be corroded and broken wires in the drivers side underhood fuse block. 200 bucks to get it fixed. That was the problem with the horn too. There's only like 2 fuses in the box, one is a blade fuse for the horn, the other is a Maxi for the exterior lights. Both fuses looked good, but the problem was in the wires under their connectors.

EEEK! Same things (no dash lights, then no taillights)! You guys are geniuses, and have hopefully saved me 100s of wasted trips to clueless mechanics! I'll post the results, when I find out.

Glad I found this Thread...I too had this problem....after searching all possibilities....I decided to search the net....well here i am....now I have my dash and tail lights back....for those of ou about to solve this same problem, be prepared to fix any other wires that have corroded in this fuse box.(drivers side)...seems like GM made a poorly designed fuse box, too much exposure to elements from bottom...I go now.....thanks to all :)

Incidentally, approximately what did it cost you to have it fixed? I called a mechanic about mine, told him what I had learned on the Internet, and would you BELIEVE...?!?!? He got defensive and said that THAT didn't sound right, and he would start with the headlamp switch (?). Good grief.

Incidentally, approximately what did it cost you to have it fixed? I called a mechanic about mine, told him what I had learned on the Internet, and would you BELIEVE...?!?!? He got defensive and said that THAT didn't sound right, and he would start with the headlamp switch (?). Good grief.


I did the actual work myself....it took approx. 1/2 an hour... i did the backyard approach for a tempory fix ......I cut the( prk lmp) wires to the fuse terminal.( you will have to remove whole box and work on it from underneath)...then attached female terminals, then hooked them together with a wide blade fuse...a little tape for a security and then tucked under the box i cut them from.....nice and hidden now.....cost about $1.00.....and 30 mins.......hope this helps....ps if a mechanic charges anything more than an hour labour( they do need to make livings too) he's overcharging......get your mechanic to look on underside of this fuse box (drivers side)...he'll believe then....good luck...:)

I just fixed this problem with a friend of mine... After reading the posts in this forum, we new where to look first - Driver side fuse box in the engine

After figuring some wiring out, we came to the conclusion that a wire was MISSING! Under the park lamp fuse, there was only one wire, the other end of the fuse seemingly connected to nothing, no traces of any wire that used to be there either...

Anyways, after testing it, we installed a wire coming right from one side of the fuse to the power source bolt lookin thin that is also connected to right next to the driver side fusebox. Saved probably $100+ by installing ONE wire :)

Thanks to this forum I was able to locate and fix the trouble - corroded wires in the driver side fuse block caused the parking lights, dash lights and lights on chime to not be working. Spliced in an inline fuse and new wire and I was good to go!!!

Thanks!!

I to have this problem with my 1990, my question is where do I find the Driver's side fuse block? Thanks in advance

My problem is just the dashboard lights(including the radio and air conditioner lights), all other lights in the car work fine. I'm having this problem for almost three years, please give some imput... thanx in advance. :banghead:

Just had to say thanks, I suddenly found myself with the same problem last night. Just bypassed the fuses for now.

go to thread 166355, same stuff. more detail.

posting full reply with Pics there

sorry that was confusing, and I didn't get the picture on. go here
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=166355&highlight=tail+light

Want to say thanx to those who posted there views and findings on the lighting problem...Had the same trouble myself tonight. Went thru the usual checking fuses (all good) Pulled the dash to check the switch (all good).I had even pulled the fuse block out and everything did look good... was posted went out and pulled the fuse block again and had a closer look and sure enough that little piece of wire was gone( Wish we knew where)... I was able to remove the blade connector from the fuse block and solder a new wire to it and tied it into the small screw on the power block...back in business!!!
Thanx again saved a pile of dollars and took less than half an hour!!!