I have a 1986 pontiac firebire (V8). I'm having a problem diagnosing why my instrument panel lights stopped working. Additionally, the bell that reminds me that my headlights and parking lights are on stopped working as well. I've checked the fuse, and it is still good. Would all of the bulbs have blown at he same time? How many bulbs are in the panel anyway? Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks

 

I had the same problem with my 91. In my case it was the interior light dimmer switch. This may be the culprit.

 

Hulk,

I'll check the interior light dimmer switch. Is it relatively cheap? How difficult was it to replace.

Thanks

 

This exact problem happened to me today on my 84 firebird. I recently fixed the headlights and the dimming of the cluster lights & they worked fine for about a week and a half then the cluster lights stopped working (headlights still work). I found 2 burnt bulbs in the cluster and replaced them, still doesn't work (I thought they might be in series, 1 or 2 out they all go out, but that wasn't true) I think there are 16 total lights in the cluster. My idiot lights and hi-beam/turn signal indicators still work, just not the orange backlights. Anyone know why? I checked all fuses too.

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84 Firebird w/ T/A gfx, 350 4bbl (LM1), Non-leaking T-Tops (new rubber all around), Auto, Working headlights (new parts), K&N, 180* thermostat, ram-air hood scoop, flowmaster muffler (yuk), Accel cap & rotor, MSD Super Conductor Wires. Soon: new gray interior, SFCs, poly bushings, WS6 sway bars & springs.

 

Anyone know why this is happening to two of us? I just put a different dimmer switch in there so i doubt thats the problem on mine. Please Help!!!!

[This message has been edited by johns84bird (edited January 15, 2001).]

 

Im not saying you havent checked but check the 5(amp?) fuse labled "Inst Lps" (located on the edge of the box toward the front of the car) not the fuse labeled gauge or something. If that's the case and it keeps blowing the fuse when you turn on the parking/headlights then you have a grounded wire somewhere. Goodluck.

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Shouldn't bother putting this but hey what the heck:
1988 Maui Blue Firebird 305 TBI stock (w/ 190,000+ miles and still running strong )

 

I've got the same problem. The fuse is good. With the fuse pulled, turning the dimmer pot gives me a voltage at the fuse that varies from about 11 volts to zero. (I haven't measured it with the fuse in, as I haven't exposed enough of the fuse panel yet. Need to make a fuse with a wire sticking out.) It's still dead, so I've been shoving +12 into the grey wire at the stereo connector for the last few days.

The (lame) schematics in my Chilton manual show a box labeled "remote dimmer" between the fuse and the instrument cluster. (Unless that's only for the digital dash; it's kinda hard to tell.) Is there such a module? If so, does anyone know where it's located?

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'86 WS6 Trans Am, LB9 305 TPI, 700R4, woefully stock.