Dash Lights Not Turning On

Where is that located and does my 97 have one?

This problem started yesterday and its really bothering me. First when i lock or unlock my car, the headlights don't come on instantly, but rather flicker and then come on. Then when i start the car, the lights for the gauges, radio, HVAC dont come on automatically as they should, and it takes a minute of randomly shifting the twilight sentinel around until they flicker to life. It may also be worth noting that the dome lights and door lights still work as they should. Any ideas? It's just very strange to me that they flicker on just by flipping some switches.

there could be something wrong with the wiring for those functions it's not a battery problem cause that would be easier to spot either that or something shorted out in there but that scenario seems unlikely

Sounds to me like the connector to your lighting control module is loose, or the control module is bad.

deekster_caddy wrote:

Sounds to me like the connector to your lighting control module is loose, or the control module is bad.

Complicated fix?

Now no taillights....

I would lean toward the LCM (Lighting control Module) if you are loosing all kinds of lights.
You'll need a copy of the FSM for your vehicle to diag properly.
I have a clean Book 2 of 2 Factory Service Manual for the 96.
It includes: Driveability and Emissions (Engine Controls), Transmission/Transaxle diagnosis and Electrical Diagnosis with all wiring diagrams.
Will sell for $20.00 plus cost of shipping.
PM me if your interested.

Ah thanks but i already have that book, I guess I'll have to dive deeper into the LCM tomorrow...you sure it wouldnt be the twilight sentinel switch? It's just really weird how playing with it can trigger the IP lights, although it does still turn the headlights on/off in the correct manner.

Update, picked up a new LCM at the junkyard and it solved the problem. Thanks for the help.

L67 wrote:

Update, picked up a new LCM at the junkyard and it solved the problem. Thanks for the help.

deekster_caddy wrote:

L67 wrote:

Update, picked up a new LCM at the junkyard and it solved the problem. Thanks for the help.

Snatched up a BCM and a headlight switch too, just in case i need em later

crutchfield carries a module that has to be plugged in to the radio to allow the steering wheel controls to work... it costs about $70

MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT..JUST THE SPEEDOMETER, RPM , GAS,. AND COOLANT TEMP LIGHTS...THE SIGNALS AND EVERYTHING ELSE STILL WORK..... I DONT KNOW IF ITS A FUSE OR WHAT..HOPEFULLY IT IS..BUT WHAT FUSE???? THATS WHAT I NEED TO KNOW..
PLEASE HELP

All of the fuses are labeled in the manual. Run an ohm meter across the ones in the driver door panel and under the rear seat.

i dont have one of those smh..but thanks

dboydakid wrote:

MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT..JUST THE SPEEDOMETER, RPM , GAS,. AND COOLANT TEMP LIGHTS...THE SIGNALS AND EVERYTHING ELSE STILL WORK..... I DONT KNOW IF ITS A FUSE OR WHAT..HOPEFULLY IT IS..BUT WHAT FUSE???? THATS WHAT I NEED TO KNOW..
PLEASE HELP

didn't this happen to you already? or do I confuse this with one of your other posts?

ive never had this problem. ..can u help?

Do you have a test light? Very cheap and even easier than an ohmmeter, just clip one end to ground and touch both sides of the fuses with the probe. You'll see which circuits are active, and which fuses are good.

I believe the dash lights will be run from the fuse panel on the side of the dashboard, accessible when the drivers door is opened. The inside of the panel should have the fuse arrangement on it.

Try #24 rear seat fuse box(the one with the most fuses). to test the fuse get a $2 trouble lamp, ground one side touch other lead to fuse to check if light comes on.

thanks will get one today and test

dboydakid wrote:

MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT..JUST THE SPEEDOMETER, RPM , GAS,. AND COOLANT TEMP LIGHTS...THE SIGNALS AND EVERYTHING ELSE STILL WORK..... I DONT KNOW IF ITS A FUSE OR WHAT..HOPEFULLY IT IS..BUT WHAT FUSE???? THATS WHAT I NEED TO KNOW..
PLEASE HELP

Also pull the under-dash panel and see if the instrument panel connector shook loose.

Albertj

HTThats what I have to do..because I checked all or the fuses and all of them are ok smh ..idk what it could be

dboydakid wrote:

HTThats what I have to do..because I checked all or the fuses and all of them are ok smh ..idk what it could be

Does not happen often but it happens and is not hard to check. Be patient because the connectors will be a pain to reach.

ok..ill try tomorrow ..the part im not understanding is that all the other lights come one except for the green dash lights..so when im driving the dash is black except for the signals..and low coolant light..

in the Manuel it says under the back seat the electrical center with the most fuses in it says
positions #36. instrument panel #2
and #37. instrument panel #1 I hope that helps