92 Sonoma dash light problems

[mfre1111]

My dash lights don't come on (Everything else works except the buzzer)and there is no power to the 5 amp fuse with the lights on. I jumped a hot wire to the fuse and the dash lights still don't come on, but the buzzer comes on that is suppose to warn you that your light are on. I am thinking I need a wiring diagram for the system to trace this down. This is an electronic dash. Anyone know where to get a diagram? Any other suggestions? Thank You in advance.

[Mals15]

I am having the same problem. I have disassembled the dimmer switch and found power and ground to be good. I think it likely that the dimmer unit itself is bad. Unfortunately the Haynes wiring diagram is incomplete in this area. I'll check the local UPullit tomorrow and likely try jumping the dimmer. If jumping the dimmer works; I'll replace it with used or new.

Edit: Just thought I'd finish this up in case someone else happens on it. It was indeed the dimmer. About $15 new, $2 at the local UPullit. Extremely easy to replace; 2 cross heads under the panel and 4 small cross heads to remove the bracket holding the headlight switch and dimmer and one simple plug. 15 min max....

[malo boy]

Same problem here, good thing I found this post, will check the dimmer switch and report back.

[mfre1111]

I found the problem to be the instrument cluster. I went to a wrecking yard and got one and it works great. I have been told this is a common problem with the ecectronic instrument cluster. Good luck all.

[Mals15]

Originally Posted by mfre1111

I found the problem to be the instrument cluster. I went to a wrecking yard and got one and it works great. I have been told this is a common problem with the ecectronic instrument cluster. Good luck all.

Not the same problem. If the cluster is all that won't light, it may well be the cluster. Mine is not electronic, by the way. If it affects all the dash lights, including the cluster, it is likely the dimmer.

[malo boy]

I did take out the dimmer switch and cleaned the contact points. Still no dash board lights and readings on electronic/digital guages. And, no juice to the dimmer switch after checking the connector plug with a test light. Would this narrow it down to the cluster?

Awhile back before the problem started, the temperature guage totally stop working. Then one night the cluster lights started to fade in and out going dim and then bright. The following morning no cluster/dash board lights excep the digital speedometer and odometer. Finally all fuses are fine. If cluster is the problem is there a way to check it and any tricks in removal?

[Mals15]

My panel is not digital so what happened to me might not be applicable to you. I also cleaned the contacts on the dimmer but that did nothing until I replaced it. I would think with the lights on you would find power to the connector.

I doubt the temperature gauge is related but again, my dash is not digital. I believe I would carefully check power to the dimmer and then replace it. Sorry I couldn't provide the silver bullet....

[malo boy]

Mals 15, you confirmed to check the "power to the dimmer" switch so I will start there. Most likely will replace the dimmer switch too. Will report back. Thanks...!