The latest problem with my 88 GTA (with digital dash) is the car has recently started only running the dash lights at the low illumination night setting and the headlight chime is constantly on if the lights are on even with the motor running and the key in the ignition. The dimmer switch wheel also seems to have no impact on light intensity.

Any thoughts? I'm thinking the first step is check all the fuses again but those all checked fine before posting this. Next step is to start replacing the headlight switches, remote dimmer switch, etc with new pieces to see if anything resolves the issue. Problem started when the gauges fuse popped. That issue has been resolved and the fuse replaced but the lights are still not working correctly.

 

Checked into this Sunday and all the fuses are good. Swapped the remote dimmer and nothing changed. Put the original back in. swapped the dimmer switch and nothing changed so put the original back. Ended up pulling the speaker from the chime module to make the car driveable but would really like input on things to look at to fix this correctly.

 

I'm no expert on automotive wiring, but here are some ideas I'll throw at you.

Are you able to trace the circuit that drives the chime?

My guess would be that a relay somewhere along that circuit has stuck in the closed position.

Find the circuit(s) that is/are feeding the juice to the chime.

While the physical wires that supply various circuits can be a major undertaking to sleuth - especially if you don't have the big-kahuna dealership manual, relays are more frequently located in places where they can be accessed.

The trial-and-error message would be to energize the malfunctioning circuit, and start pulling relays until you can cause the chime to go off. You might get lucky, and discover that simply replacing that relay solves the problem.

The amperage surge that caused the blown fuse you mentioned may have also damaged a relay.

 

Don't see a relay anywhere on the wiring diagrams so I'm going to keep testing wires and switches to see if I can find a fault somewhere.