Dash Lights Out?-Check rear Park Lmp Fuse

[AuroraNut]

Just a note that one should check "all" fuses when electricl problems arise. My daughter's dash light and tail light problem was corrected by replacing the 25 amp parking lamp fuse under the rear seat. Her electrical problems began with the dash lights (only worked on low beam)and we hadn't looked at this particular fuse until the tail lights went out. In the meantime, she spent $300 for a multiswitch and almost another $300 for the body control module that was identified by a local dealer's diagnostic test. An expensive lesson but hopefully others can use saving time and $$.

[Smo0ve]

When you say dash lights are you talking about the ones for the instrument panel? Mine went out and I was told its the multiswitch which seems unlikely. My twilight sentinel still works as well.

[AuroraNut]

Originally Posted by Smo0ve

When you say dash lights are you talking about the ones for the instrument panel? Mine went out and I was told its the multiswitch which seems unlikely. My twilight sentinel still works as well.

Yes. only the instrument cluster lights went out on the "97, all others (radio, information center, etc) were fine. I even interchanged the body control module and sentitinal switch from my wif'e's 98 Aurora to confirm their operation before finding the fuse. The multiswitch replacement didn't affect anything but our wallet. There's also a dimmer switch in there that you can see a picture of on RockAuto - they have super photos of may of the parts if you want to make trouble-shooting easier. Good luck!

[Smo0ve]

Hmm. I have to still wonder about that one because my tail lights still work. It's just not being able to see my speed and engine temp that bothers me. I'll give that 25amp fuse a check though. Thanks.

[anusemoon]

i just checked the fuse its not a fuse.... when i open my door it makes a chirm sound... did that happen to you auroraNut???? also is the multiswitch same thing as a multi function switch?>??? thats what the have on rock auto????? ill try changing that its not that expensive.... also is this what it looks like?? thanks http://198.208.187.182/internet/Part...rtnbr=12450036

[anusemoon]

or is it this one???? multi function switch http://www.smpcorp.com/mycgi/ibg.asp?parts=DS750

[AuroraNut]

It was the multifunction switch (cruise, lights, turn along steering wheel) which I got at Auto Zone for around $150. Recommend having a good mechanic install it because the steering wheel needs to be removed and the air bag needs to be disconnected. Two dealers told my daughter that the switch was causing the instrument lights to fail, however replacing it didn't help. I read another thread that the $5 relay switch you referred to had solved another guys instrument light problem. Another referred to the sentinel dial that needed to be cleaned. Also she had no problems with any other interior lights or security chimes. Good luck!

[Fractal_Tech]

anusemoon, did you ever resolve your problem? I have a 96 Riviera with the same problem. No instrument lights or parking lights, and a chime sounds when the door is opened, but not if the keys are in the car.

I have checked the front and rear fuses also, and have not found a bad one.