no dash lights

[ronedjohn]

I installed a Alpine radio in 2000 silvy Z-71 and blew Illum fuse.. replaced Illum fuse now no dash lights or ac/ heater control lights please help!!!

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by ronedjohn

I installed a Alpine radio in 2000 silvy Z-71 and blew Illum fuse.. replaced Illum fuse now no dash lights or ac/ heater control lights please help!!!

you must of messed up on the radio wiring...this 10a Illum fuse feeds the headlamp/dimmer resistor..which is then varing the lamp voltages on these dash interior lamps...


lets say you installed a larger fuse thinking it will work now..
then the headlamp dimmer/switch assembly is most likely cooked...

using a meter this can be repaired without buying unneeded parts...If you installed a fuse of more than 10amps I would say the headlamp switch dimmer is damaged..

[ronedjohn]

Originally Posted by j cAT

you must of messed up on the radio wiring...this 10a Illum fuse feeds the headlamp/dimmer resistor..which is then varing the lamp voltages on these dash interior lamps...


lets say you installed a larger fuse thinking it will work now..
then the headlamp dimmer/switch assembly is most likely cooked...

using a meter this can be repaired without buying unneeded parts...If you installed a fuse of more than 10amps I would say the headlamp switch dimmer is damaged..

Are you saying to put larger fuse in Illum? You also mentioned that this could be repaired without uneeded parts.. how do I go about testing the dimmer switch?

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by ronedjohn

Are you saying to put larger fuse in Illum? You also mentioned that this could be repaired without uneeded parts.. how do I go about testing the dimmer switch?

did you replace the 10AMP fuse with another 10AMP fuse ?

If you used a larger fuse , then you most likely damaged the DIMMER , WHICH is part of the headlight switch...

Using a meter check out the dimmer for failure...

[ronedjohn]

Dimmer is fine. I checked for power at Illum fuse with a test light no power..This is really a challenge but I will continue to fight it..The inside light still comes on and off and its controlled by the dimmer, when rolled all the way up....just dont understand it..

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by ronedjohn

Dimmer is fine. I checked for power at Illum fuse with a test light no power..This is really a challenge but I will continue to fight it..The inside light still comes on and off and its controlled by the dimmer, when rolled all the way up....just dont understand it..

what you don't understand is the fact that the dimmer knob is two componets in one knob...one is a switch just like the switch knob on an older radio...the other componet is a variable resistor which when you rotate the knob you vary the resistance which then varies the voltage to the lamps being dimmed..

since you do not own a meter to check, this is impossible with a test light..test lights should not be used on any modern vehicles with electronic devices...good for cars back in the 60's however..

since the voltage comes into the dimmer and then to the Illum 10AMP fuse ...with no voltage at the fuse [check with meter] I would say the dimmer is open [use ohm meter to measure resistance] to verify this..

if open you will need the complete headlight switch/dimmer module circuit..

I asked what size fuse did you use ? was this more than the 10 AMPS ?

[ronedjohn]

thanks alot jcAT you have been very helpful. I replaced the dimmer switch and abracadabra the dash lights came on.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by ronedjohn

thanks alot jcAT you have been very helpful. I replaced the dimmer switch and abracadabra the dash lights came on.

thanks for posting your results..

test lights can be destructive ...buy a volt ohm meter if you plan on doing your own repairs ...with a meter and a little training on its use, you will save alot of time, and money with most electrical repairs..