electrical on 98 gv.

I have a problem with all dash board and instrument lights not working. I also found the passenger side back light not working. It only works for the signal and brakes.The light bulbs are fine. I did get some smoke from the passenger side front hood area when I was stuck in traffic. Later that evening I found these lights stopped working. The front passenger signal indicator started working after I change the engine oil,but not the back. I checked all fuses and are ok. George.:eek7: :confused:

I repaired a connection on the right paseger side head light.It was a bad connector.This was the source of the smoke coming from the front end.However I still have the same problem with the lights and now my horn is not working and the air bag light is on.:screwy:

Good chance what is called the "clockspring" is the source of your horn and airbag light problem. It's a coiled wire located just behind the horn pad on the steering wheel. It allowes you to turn the steering wheel and maintain continuity in the horn, airbag, and cruise control circuits in the steering wheel. Not sure if it applies to 98s but there was a recall on clocksprings around that time frame. Check with your local dealership. If it applies it's fixed for free.

As for your signal lights, if you haven't yet, remove the bulbs and inspect the sockets. Corrosion is common. Don't just look at the filements on the bulbs. Use an ohmeter.

As for your dash lights. Have you smacked the dash to bring them back to life? If it works you've got a bad solder joint on the instrument cluster circuit board. Be happy its only lights. Usually a bad solder joint there means your van won't start. If you still get them lit I would suspect the lighting intensity switch.