Instrument Cluster lights stopped working.

[klee1981]

Hi my name is Kevin, and I had to break my post cherry for a problem I am having with my 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 2 dr coupe. I while ago my instrument cluster lights as well as the lights in all the light switches, and the steering wheel stopped working, except for an incident when I was turning and they suddenly came on only briefly. I installed a Bulldog remote start, and it gave me problems and was later removed. All of the spliced connections are now covered in electrical tape, and I have made sure none are exposed.
My question is what wires can I check or where should I begin to look for a possible problem? I checked all applicable fuses, both in the glove compartment and under the hood. I have a digital multimeter, and any direction you guys gould provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance.

Kevin Lee

1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 2dr. Coupe.
K&N "Free Air" Intake

(edit) if anyone could give me a diagram of the light switch that would be great too. Thank you again.

[carnutcass]

This is for a '98. Hopefully the wiring harnesses and switches are the same.

Instrument Panel Lamps Inoperative

1 - Inspect the PARK LP fuse. Is the fuse open? Yes-Go to Step 2, No-Go to Step 3,

2 - Repair a short to ground in CKT 1340. Is the repair complete? No-Go to Interior Lights Dimming System Check.

3 - Turn the headlamp switch to the PARK position. Turn the instrument panel lamp dimmer switch to the HIGH position. Use a test light backprobe between the headlamp switch harness connector terminal O and ground. Does the test light illuminate? Yes-Go to Step 5, No-Go to Step 4.

4 - Repair the poor connection or open in CKT 1340. Is the repair complete? No-Go to Interior Lights Dimming System Check.

5 - Using a test light, backprobe between the headlamp switch harness connector terminal H and ground. Does the test light illuminate? Yes-Go to Step 7, No-Go to Step 6.

6 - Replace the headlamp switch. Refer to Headlamp Switch Replacement. Is the repair complete? No-Go to Interior Lights Dimming System Check.

7 - Repair the poor connection or open in CKT 8 between the headlamp switch harness connector terminal H and S203. Is the repair complete?

[carnutcass]

Interior Lights Dimming System Check

1 - Turn the I/P dimmer switch OFF. Turn the headlamp switch to the PARK position. Normal Results-The following lamps are all in the ON position:

The steering wheel radio control switches
The I/P lamp dimmer switch
The door lock switches
The window switches
The heater and A/C control
The instrument cluster
The ashtray lamp
The automatic transaxle control position indicator
The driver information center (DIC)
The fog lamp switch
The trip calculator
The driver seat heater switch
The vacuum fluorescent (VF) display (radio) step dim.
Instrument Panel Lamps Inoperative

2 - Turn the I/P lamp dimmer switch slowly to HIGH. Normal Results-The brightness of the I/P lamps slowly increase to high.
The VF brightness of the radio slowly increases to high. Abnormal Results-Instrument Panel (I/P) Lamps Erratic with Dimmer Switch
Incandescent Lamps Do Not Dim. Vacuum Fluorescent (VF) Displays Do Not Change Intensity - All Got to step 3.

3 - Instrument Panel (I/P) Lamps Erratic with Dimmer Switch

1 - Inspect the headlamp switch harness connector for a poor connection. Is there a poor connection? Yes-Go to Step 2, No-Go to Step 3.

2 - Repair a poor connection on the headlamp switch. Is the repair complete? No-Go to step 3.

3 - Replace the headlamp switch.

[klee1981]

Thank you, Carnutcass.

Ill go try it now, and see whats up

I appreciate your timely reply.

Kevin Lee