Tailligths, dashboard lights off all the time

[haris_ny]

Hi guys,
I have 1996 Lumina and few weeks ago I lost my dashboard lights and the tail lights. Checked fuses and everythign is ok. Since I don't have dash light dimmer doesn't work but I can turn on the inside light with the dimmer at the end position (light on the ceiling). Trun signals (including one on the dashboard), brake lights, the headlights (long and short) and DRL work fine. Parking brake checked and it is completely off.
Anyone any idea before I unload my pocket at the car shop?

Thanks a lot.

[comptech_69]

For the brake lights I would instantly say the rurn signal switch, but that seems like it's not the problem. You definately have me stumped

[richtazz]

The turn signal/multifunction switch is the culprit. It's a very common problem on these cars and will cause everything you describe. IF you attempt to replace it yourself, and are using a Haynes manual to do it, they forget to tell you a step. When you get to the junction block where the harness wires plug into the car, you have to remove the small bolt in the center of the junction block. The harness plugs in from the middle, not from the outside edge, and the junction has to be separated to get it unplugged. You'll learn many new words and could break stuff if you don't take the bolt out and separate the two halves of the junction.

[haris_ny]

Thank you very much, I am going to make an interesting project out of it.
Hopefully it is going to work.

[GreySVO]

Could this be the reason my dash and headlights flicker at night, whether I let the lights turn on by themselves, or through the headlight switch? If not, any ideas why this occurs?

Thx

[richtazz]

yes, the lights flickering could very well be the multifunction switch.

[Truewonder]

hey man I had the same problem it was the fuses under the hood on driver side they were coroded my mechanic replaced it for free for me.

[GreySVO]

OK, I figured mine out. I bought a volt meter that plugs into the lighter, and saw the voltage from the alternator varying between 12.2 and 13.5 volts. I replaced the alternator and belt, and now have at least 13.9 volts, and no more flickering lights. Car also now gets 1.5 miles per gallon improvement, and more power.

[bad_lumina]

Had the same issue
Heard a click while driving and the dash lights went out & radio brightened.
Thought it was related to automatic DRL.
Checked all fuses etc, until I notices ANOTHER fuse holder under the hood - drivers side.
The fuse for the instrument lights (15a) was loose in the socket. Poor cover doesn't seal underhood holder well, and there was corrosion making the socket loose. Bent the tabs after cleaning up and inserted the fuse )had friction now. Sprayed holder with WD40 to keep corosion down.
All better. Misleading looking for a DRL issue. Figured it had to be the dash switch, but nope....