I installed an aftermarket stereo head unit in my car yesterday. Before I bolted it into my radio pod, I tested it (with poweramp and sub) and all was fine. Later that night I left the house. I had the radio on when I turned on my headlights. I heard a POP sound when my headlights popped up. I stopped the car and turned off my headlights--but they wouldn't go down! I also noticed my gauges were not illuminating! Even now, the headlights pop up and turn on, but when switched off, they turn off but don't go down. What the heck!?

Well I took it apart today and found that I accidentally connected the ground wire from the stereo to the brown Instrument panel wire from the car (thinking it was black) None of my fuses are blown, I even tested them with a fuse tester. Did I seriously fry something?? Crap!

 

hopefully, it is just the headlight switch or the dimmer module that went bad.
swap out each of those to see if either or both correct the problem.

 

Damn. Looks like i gotta donate more to classic industries. Could it be a blown relay or fusible link? Any telltale signs I should look for?

 

There are no fusible links or relays under the dash for that circuit.Sounds like the headlight switch may have popped on you.Try replacing that,you can get one at any autoparts store.

 

Thanks for the help guys! I just ordered the headlight switch and dimmer assembly from modern day muscle.

 

No problem,good luck with it.