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-   -   Tail light, dashboard lights, gear lights not working (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=208848)

  • Apr 23, 2008, 11:36 AM
    enemyinside
    Tail light, dashboard lights, gear lights not working
    My dashboard , tail lights are not working anymore and I can't figure out why. I gave my car to one of the mechanic and he could'nt figure it out as well. There was a tingy smell coming out of the car after lights went out as if something in the car got fried. Moreover, now he says that whenever he turns on the lights, my radio goes off.
    Can you please help me with this problem?
  • Apr 23, 2008, 12:06 PM
    TxGreaseMonkey
    . Check/replace the ignition switch and harness, which is likely what's bad.

    . Test all under-dash and under-hood fuses with a test light or multimeter.
  • Apr 24, 2008, 05:41 AM
    this8384
    Just a question Tx: why would a bad ignition switch keep the taillights from working?
  • Apr 24, 2008, 07:03 AM
    TxGreaseMonkey
    The ignition switch/harness is the main electrical feed to the under-dash fuse box. Virtually all systems have been affected (i.e. dashboard lights, tail lights, gear lights, and radio); therefore, it must involve a major trunk line. Plus, the ignition switch/harness draws enough amperage to create the "tingy smell," when the switch likely burned.

    If the ignition switch is removed, my bet is that the contacts and/or switch wiring will show damage. This should be a relatively easy fix. Disconnect the negative battery cable, before beginning repair. After inspecting/replacing the ignition switch, test every fuse to ensure all systems have power.

    Use the fuse testing procedure below, before disconnecting the negative battery cable:

    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post252145

    If there's no power to many of the fuses in the under-dash fuse box, even though each fuse visibly appears okay upon removal, a bad ignition switch is likely the cause. This simple exercise should allow you to identify the likely cause quickly, before even taking the ignition switch apart.
  • Apr 25, 2008, 05:32 AM
    this8384
    Thank you; I like having answers when I don't understand things :)

    Couldn't it also be a bad headlight switch? That would essentially control all of the things he's saying aren't working(if it is only the taillights, not the brake lights), no?
  • Apr 25, 2008, 06:03 AM
    TxGreaseMonkey
    The headlight switch does not explain radio going out. Unless enemyinside reports back, we may never know.
  • Apr 25, 2008, 12:06 PM
    this8384
    You're right; more info would be much more helpful rather than just you and I going back and forth *lol* I assume from his "tingy" smell that he has a major short in the wiring, which could very well be why the radio is cutting out when you turn the headlights on.

    I had a girl bring a Cavalier in once because it was having some major problems. As it turns out, she let someone install an aftermarket CD player into her car. Whoever installed the CD player used duct tape when he spliced the wiring back together(I really wish I was kidding). Because there was no insulation on the duct tape, all of the wires going to the radio started arcing back and forth. She kept driving the car and eventually, she had a major surge which went everywhere: the engine compartment, up the steering column, to the fusebox, through the trunk.

    So my thinking is: if radio wiring can short out an entire vehicle, why couldn't a headlight switch short out the wiring going to the radio? Just a guess, though...
  • Feb 21, 2010, 04:37 PM
    bsouthern4life
    I'm no expert on electrical troubleshooting, but my thoughts that are bassed on common knowledge may help you with your problem. There's an illumination wire that connects to the back of your Stereo. Most likely orange, but get your wire guide to be sure. Sometime even using a wire harness this wire can have a wrong connection and short your out. If this wire is attatched try cutting it and then check and replace fuses. After you get your lights working again take some wire and run to your fuse box for your own stereo illumination wire.

    I wouldn't rule headlights out though, because it is possible. If you turn your headlights on what also comes on? The entire dashboard including radio, right?

    Tip:
    If someone installs a radio, alarm or any other aftermarket device that requires splicing you might want them to be certified or back there work one.
  • Jun 14, 2012, 01:15 PM
    nissan14
    My head lights, break lights, flashers, and stereo works but I can't seem to get my tail lights working. I don't know what the problem could be. I had a few mechanics look at it and they don't know the problem?
  • Oct 31, 2012, 01:36 PM
    Rockboy2177
    It is simple. There is longer black switch that is under the dash. It is the same device that turns your headlights on has been fryed (Fried). You need to replace it. Or run a separate wire to turn your tail lights on and have a jump switch to turn them on and off every time you drive at night.
  • Feb 3, 2013, 07:09 AM
    oknissan
    I have 2002 nissian xterra, the dashboard light and tail light not working, head light, brake light is OK. I changed the fuse it worked fine but upon turning the front or back wipers, the cuts the fuse. Can someone help me out why the wipers cut the fuse?
  • Sep 1, 2013, 11:06 PM
    lilazza01
    Hi, need a little advice, my sidelights on my mk1 focus aren't working and when ii turn my lights on the brake lights come on.if I have no light on and press brakes the dash lights up. Weird. Any ideas

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