I was trying to fix broken overhead cabin (pushbutton) lights in 2001 Dodge Ram. I was putting it back in place (dry fit) before I taped up the connections. I grounded out on something ( metal roof probably) and lost the dashboard lights and the radio. The fuses for those two circuits did not blow, but in frustration I have changed them twice. I have checked every other fuse 10 times and even replaced good ones with no improvement. After hours of trouble shooting, I pulled the IOD fuse and saw that it was blown - but don't know if this is related or not - as after I replaced it I still have no radio or dash lights. It is an aftermarket radio, with it's own fuse but that fuse is still good.

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Test for power through each under-hood and under-dash fuse, using method 1 or 2 below:

1. Multimeter. Set multimeter to DCV, turn ignition switch to ON (Position II), touch the black test lead to ground, and touch the red test lead, in turn, to each test point on the fuse. The meter should record 12+ volts. Voltage must be recorded at each test point on a fuse; otherwise, the fuse is bad.

2. Test Light. Turn ignition switch to ON (Position II), connect alligator clip to vehicle ground, and touch the probe to each test point on the fuse. The test light must come on at each test point on a fuse; otherwise, the fuse is bad.

These methods allow you to accurately and quickly check all under-hood and under-dash fuses in several minutes, even in dark, cramped locations. They eliminate the possibility of removing and replacing the fuse in the wrong slot. Should a fuse test bad, use the fuse puller, provided in the under-dash fuse/relay box, to remove it.

Thank you

But...
Where are the test points on a mini-fuse?


Before I got your email I did it the hard way - pulled every fuse and replaced it with one I knew was good - for example - the radio won't play but the parking lights work. Switched those fuses and get the same result - radio still getting no power (and the radio's own fuse is good) and the parking lights work. In desperation I removed the IOF fuse which is in the cabin fuseblock, It was blown. Replaced it, but still no change. Pulled the IOD fuse overnight and reinserted it in the morning - still no change.

There are two panel lighting circuits - A and B. A works - speddo, idiot lights, etc. B does not - no dashboard illumination. Also no power to the interior (dome) light. Second affected circuit is the radio circuit. I've read on=line where other folfs woth Dodges have actually disconnected the battery, waited some minutes, then reconnected and gotten things working again. That'll be next

Look closely on top--you should see two metal bare spots.

Thanks. I work until 11 pm ( 2.5 hours) but I'll try it then