Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
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Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
Hey everyone
this is my first post! I just bought my 1988 firebird this past week on monday!
I bought a 1988 firebird with the Z20 appearance package. She needs some work but shes solid and runs great! For some odd reason we just didnt check if the dash lights work lol. Anyways
My lights are out, I went go take a cruise last night for the first time and the lights are out. The check engine light and brake lights etc those go on. but the actual lights on the dash for the tach and speedo gas battery oil pressure they dont get lit up. They all work but no lights..I checked the fuses they looked ok, Im gonna go out there now and just replace them all anyways but if that doesn't work What could it be?
Thanks
Mario
this is my first post! I just bought my 1988 firebird this past week on monday!
I bought a 1988 firebird with the Z20 appearance package. She needs some work but shes solid and runs great! For some odd reason we just didnt check if the dash lights work lol. Anyways
My lights are out, I went go take a cruise last night for the first time and the lights are out. The check engine light and brake lights etc those go on. but the actual lights on the dash for the tach and speedo gas battery oil pressure they dont get lit up. They all work but no lights..I checked the fuses they looked ok, Im gonna go out there now and just replace them all anyways but if that doesn't work What could it be?
Thanks
Mario
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
do the running lights work? they are on the same fuse to let you know your running lights are out. if the fuse is not blown and your taillights/marker lights work, then its a bad connection in the dash, or less likely all the bulbs are out. if all are out and the fuse blows as soon as you turn on the lights, then its a short. usually a short in the tailights or front markers somewhere, unless theres been some wiring done under the dash, as for a stereo or something and that is shorting out.
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
Not running lights BRAKE lights.
This is a very old GM trick, when your BRAKE lights go out your dash lights won't work to help clue to you.
Or it oculd be a fuse, but 99% of the time that's what it is when your brake lights go out. A fuse on them, burn't bulbs or.......
This is a very old GM trick, when your BRAKE lights go out your dash lights won't work to help clue to you.
Or it oculd be a fuse, but 99% of the time that's what it is when your brake lights go out. A fuse on them, burn't bulbs or.......
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
actually gumby, we might both be wrong. the last 2 foreign cars ive worked on both had running lights and dash together. I went and looked it up in my FSM for 86 and it says each has its own. might be different for 88 though.
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
If all your other lights work, did you check that the dash light dimmer switch did not have them switched OFF? Try the wheel on your dash by the light switch and see what happens.
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
Thank you everyone for replying to me. I appreciate it alot.
I changed all the fuses. nothing. For some reason i said to myself it might be something with the stereo wires, when I worked at circuit city in radio installation. A Co worker of mine completely wired the car wrong and lost all the power n the dash. I dont remember what kind of car it was but it was a GM. So when i fixed the wires on my firebird we got light!
Thanks again everyone who reply d.
I changed all the fuses. nothing. For some reason i said to myself it might be something with the stereo wires, when I worked at circuit city in radio installation. A Co worker of mine completely wired the car wrong and lost all the power n the dash. I dont remember what kind of car it was but it was a GM. So when i fixed the wires on my firebird we got light!
Thanks again everyone who reply d.
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#8
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
Think GM American cars..............Those rice machines had screwy wiring set ups!
And YES on MOST older GM vehicles the dash lights and taIL lights are on the same
fuse circuit.
What would clue me in is a aftermarket stereo install. Usually the installer tries
to power/memory/radio lighting thru the wrong vehicle circuit (dash/
brake light circuit) and pops the fuse or smokes a wire and even melt the
plastic circuit board (actually a flexible plastic film with wires running thru it).
And YES on MOST older GM vehicles the dash lights and taIL lights are on the same
fuse circuit.
What would clue me in is a aftermarket stereo install. Usually the installer tries
to power/memory/radio lighting thru the wrong vehicle circuit (dash/
brake light circuit) and pops the fuse or smokes a wire and even melt the
plastic circuit board (actually a flexible plastic film with wires running thru it).
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
Well looks like im back to where I started...No dash lights yet again. This time I put a new stereo in the car..Stereo works great.. just no dash lights now with the aftermarket stereo my illumination wire is now a free Orange wire just hangs by itself. Now does that wire need to be Wired into another wire?
The setup right now on the wires are of course the original harness's are there, they are plugged into a harness that converts the wires to the new standard coloring so when you take the wires from the stereo harness to just put the colors together and wala your stereo is rdy to go. But now my illumination is just by it self(orange wire)? and now no Dash lights?
The setup right now on the wires are of course the original harness's are there, they are plugged into a harness that converts the wires to the new standard coloring so when you take the wires from the stereo harness to just put the colors together and wala your stereo is rdy to go. But now my illumination is just by it self(orange wire)? and now no Dash lights?
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
it could be your remote dimmer switch. this part is nothing more than a heat sink and a power transistor. the transistors go bad and all but the int lights work. its like $60 from the dealer, or, change out the $3 transistor with a new one from radio shack.
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
is the transistor the little white thing above the interior light dial? Sorry to butt in I have the same prob all my lights work but my dash, I tore it all part and the bulbs are all good and none of my fuses are burnt. I cleaned both the dial and light switch to make sure all the contacts were touching well too. I noticed a retangular small white thing on top of the unit with 2 wires. I'm guessing thats the transitor. any names or model #'s I should go by for it?
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
I believe what you are describing is the lamp that illuminates the headlight switch. I don't think it is the "transistor" Formula87 is describing.
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
Yeah my dash lights are still out I have no idea.. and what is that metal thing circled? lol
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
Yea after turning the car on to test, it glows definatly a light
I have no idea what that is zepher, maybe one of the older guru's can chime in for us new guys.
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
With it unplugged, I had no dash lights or parking lights.
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
ah ok, thats def not in my 88 haven't seen that at all. I frustrated about my dash lights. still can't figure out why not working now.
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
how will i tell if its bad or not? Or do i just replace it? lol
Where is it exactly? underneath the steering column? Or do I have to take off the dash pad?
new at this so bare with me lol
Where is it exactly? underneath the steering column? Or do I have to take off the dash pad?
new at this so bare with me lol
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
Buying one tonight, it will be late Est but I will post my results. Hope it works then i can put my dash and seats back in.
oh and mine least the only one i saw was located on my drivers side under the turn single upper left wall. Gonna poke arorund more and make sure theres not one on the right side where you said yours was. it was late last night and I didn't feel like geting too far into it after a long weekend.
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
ok late night in the garage but problem solved and dash back in.
The item S7207 from advanced was not my problem unfortinaly but I put it in anyways after. I found a loose wire going to my dimmer switch from the previous owners cob job of wires I spent most of tonight retracing wires via volt meter and sodering the connections geting rid of them ugly twist n tape jobs / crimps. Face got nice and burnt up though haha good thing for safety glass's or I'd be blind. Looks organized now for the most part at least now and I have a good udnerstanding of what was done at least.
Good luck with your dash man.
The item S7207 from advanced was not my problem unfortinaly but I put it in anyways after. I found a loose wire going to my dimmer switch from the previous owners cob job of wires I spent most of tonight retracing wires via volt meter and sodering the connections geting rid of them ugly twist n tape jobs / crimps. Face got nice and burnt up though haha good thing for safety glass's or I'd be blind. Looks organized now for the most part at least now and I have a good udnerstanding of what was done at least.
Good luck with your dash man.
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
ok late night in the garage but problem solved and dash back in.
The item S7207 from advanced was not my problem unfortinaly but I put it in anyways after. I found a loose wire going to my dimmer switch from the previous owners cob job of wires I spent most of tonight retracing wires via volt meter and sodering the connections geting rid of them ugly twist n tape jobs / crimps. Face got nice and burnt up though haha good thing for safety glass's or I'd be blind. Looks organized now for the most part at least now and I have a good udnerstanding of what was done at least.
Good luck with your dash man.
The item S7207 from advanced was not my problem unfortinaly but I put it in anyways after. I found a loose wire going to my dimmer switch from the previous owners cob job of wires I spent most of tonight retracing wires via volt meter and sodering the connections geting rid of them ugly twist n tape jobs / crimps. Face got nice and burnt up though haha good thing for safety glass's or I'd be blind. Looks organized now for the most part at least now and I have a good udnerstanding of what was done at least.
Good luck with your dash man.
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
im guna post on this also haha no dash lights im guna look for loose wires before replacing that part i got my dimmer switch n light switch at a junk yard 2 of em actually and checked my bulbs n fuses everythings fine i have an aftermarket deck in and 3 wires hangin i forgot what they were
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
I need help My headlights are the only thing that works no dash lights no running lights no tail lights theres no power going to the fuse i checked them all so where is the issue?
#26
Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
just bought a 86 trans am interior light wont work when park or headlights on and dash lights go out tried a used headlight dimmer switch same thing
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
I'm having the same problem now, my orange dashboard lights will not light. I've changed the light switch, the dimmer switch and now i found out that field mice have eaten thru some wiring under my dash and also that my dimmer heat sink is bad. The repair shop (i gave up) is trying to find me a heat sink. Will let y'all know about the outcome.
#29
Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
Now my dash lights don't work.
1988 Camaro. My headlight switch rotates to brighten or dim the dash lights.
All other lights work. Can't tell if all brake lights work. I don't have a spotter. The brake lights do shine on the cars across the street.
I think my switch might be too rusty to work. Thanks to leaking T Tops I get condensation on both sides of my windows.
1988 Camaro. My headlight switch rotates to brighten or dim the dash lights.
All other lights work. Can't tell if all brake lights work. I don't have a spotter. The brake lights do shine on the cars across the street.
I think my switch might be too rusty to work. Thanks to leaking T Tops I get condensation on both sides of my windows.
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
Bumping this thread..b/c I also have no dash lights in my '86 Firebird. I do suspect improper install of an aftermarket radio by the previous owner. The problem was not noticed until after I bought the car and was driving it home. Purchased it in the afternoon...after it got dark and I turned the headlamps on...noticed no dash lights.
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
I don't think the Radio would have anything to with it,it could be the fuse for the instrument panel or the ground for it.
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
a heat sink is a piece of metal (most often with fins on it) that helps pull heat out of something and cool it better
something like this
http://www.heatsink.com/images/produ...eat_sink_1.jpg
something like this
http://www.heatsink.com/images/produ...eat_sink_1.jpg
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
Thanks Barlow,I asked that a year and a month ago.
#34
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
Head units are wired to the dash lights to dim the display. If this lead is grounded somewhere it will keep blowing the fuse, which will also rake out the running lights. I was smacked down earlier in this thread, but I have since confirmed I was right, American cars also have the dash lights wired to running lights. I admit I haven't actually seen it on a thirdgen yet, but have directly confirmed it on other gm and Chrysler cars. Regardless, the dash lights are definitely connected to the stereo harness, so I'm betting that's where your problem is.
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
But the improper wiring may be the cause of the blown fuse.
Head units are wired to the dash lights to dim the display. If this lead is grounded somewhere it will keep blowing the fuse, which will also rake out the running lights. I was smacked down earlier in this thread, but I have since confirmed I was right, American cars also have the dash lights wired to running lights. I admit I haven't actually seen it on a thirdgen yet, but have directly confirmed it on other gm and Chrysler cars. Regardless, the dash lights are definitely connected to the stereo harness, so I'm betting that's where your problem is.
Head units are wired to the dash lights to dim the display. If this lead is grounded somewhere it will keep blowing the fuse, which will also rake out the running lights. I was smacked down earlier in this thread, but I have since confirmed I was right, American cars also have the dash lights wired to running lights. I admit I haven't actually seen it on a thirdgen yet, but have directly confirmed it on other gm and Chrysler cars. Regardless, the dash lights are definitely connected to the stereo harness, so I'm betting that's where your problem is.
#38
Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
bumping this, i got a 92 firebird from a guy who gutted the entire dash over the e brake indicator wire burning up.. before i resintalled the dash i checked everything real good to make sure it worked all but the inst lamps of course cause that was all torn out. anyway dash all back in and now my headlights dont work and no inst lamps. all fuses good head lights worked before. all other lights function trn brk run lamps etc. no headlights no inst lights.. headlights do flip open but dont illuminate
#39
Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
Ok to chime in, I Too have numerous non working items. No headlights, Tail lights,Dash, floor lights, Dome, Rear courtesy light in the hatch, Cig, Horn, or Liftgate pull down motor<i have put a new one in>. Fuse Is good, However, No power is being fed Into the fuse. Turn signals Do work... The former owner of the car, thought the switch broke, so he butchered a wire on the Passenger side headlight H Beam, and he manually powered the lights on. The motors are not working in his Frankenstein job, but assuming i can find where the power is being cut off from before the fuseblock, i can hopefully restore all of these things. Help Greatly appreciated
Last edited by 88KyKITT; 11-16-2014 at 05:45 AM.
#42
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
On my 88, I found the 'headlight control" under the hood was damaged (I don't know the proper name- it is a relay for the headights?). When I unplugged the wires, my lights worked again, but no headlight motors. Maybe there was a short internally?
#43
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
I don't have the car in front of me for a picture- I found it by accident looking at a Chilton's wiring diagram...
#44
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
I have a similar problem. I have an 1989 Formula LS1 swap. After reading a Chilton and hanes manual and reading the threads online it seems to come back to the fuse box. I'm not near the car yet to inspect all my fuses yet, but coming home work last night I hit a bump in my neighborhood and my dash lights went out and just before I shut the car off my lights would turn off but wouldn't flip down and now there stuck in the up position. I can turn the headlight switch on and off and the lights come on and off but won't engage the motors or turn on my dash lights. If I check all my fuses and there all good what is the next step? I first defaulted to thinking it was the headlight switch since I had a previous problem before with a 94 c1500 but it had no lights coming on and no dash lights, but my car's switch does turn on the lights just not the dash lights or closing the headlight motors down.
Last edited by StevenB L98/LS1; 08-07-2016 at 04:57 PM.
#45
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Re: Dashlights out on my 1988 Firebird
Figured out the problem, Tail light fuse was blown. powers the dash lights and the motors and tail lights. Thread was helpful.
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