96 Neon parking lights/console lights not working

[hrgerrin24]

I have a 1996 Plymouth Neon, recently the console lights quit working and then realized the parking lights and tail lights aren't working either. Sometimes the gauges work & sometimes they come on & go off alot. If any one can help me out it would be appreciated.

[jubangy]

For the lights it sounds like a fuse has blown. As far as the guages there is a fix posted on here that requires you to pull the instrument cluster out and reheat a few solder joints. Try searching for it I have seen it posted quite a few places so it shouldnt be to hard.

[denisond3]

My favorite 'how-to' for fixing the instruments in the cluster is here: http://forum.1gn.org/viewtopic.php?t=220
If the lights that dont work are just the running lights - then its likely a fuse, or a connector that has come loose under the dashboard somewhere. The conectors may get shoved by the feet when driving. I have had fuses blow, and the replacement fuse blew right away. So I made up a test lamp - to replace the fuse temporarily. I soldered two wires to a light bulb (one of the kind that have only the single filament in them. I put the wires (the bare ends of them with the insulation stripped back 1/2 inch) into the fuse socket, one wire into each side of the socket. With the headlamp switch halfway out, the test light will come on if there is a short circuit. You can wiggle wires around on the car, until the light gets dim. This means you have uncovered the place where the short circuit is.