Dash lights quit working

[mehuddles13]

Yesterday I was messing around with the bezel around the AC/radio on my 97 to see what it took to replace it with one from a newer 3rd gen. I have the newer one to replace it with & several of the plugs fit (hazard, clock, rear defrost) so I plugged them in just to check them, knowing it probably wouldn't be that easy lol. Anyway, the clock worked but the hazards or defrost didn't so being short on time I unplugged everything and put the old bezel back in for now & when I went off last night I have no dash lights & my blinkers/hazards don't work on the exterior but do on the dash. I checked the dash fuse & it doesn't look blown. What am I missing or what did I screw up? I didn't mention it but yes I know I need the air duct to replace the bezel and I have that piece too. By the way this all started when I swapped out the center console and just had to go one step further. Thanks in advance for all the help.

 

[JohnsD90]

Just a little thing but did you mess with the little knob to the left of the steering wheel, it dims the dash lights and from what it sounds here, you may have accidently turned it all the way off without noticing (which even with headlights on will not have any of the dash or gauge lights lit up). Just turn it and if the dash lights turn on then problem solved, if not, i have no idea.

 

[mehuddles13]

Damn....have I given the impression that I'm a total DA? LOL J/K....Thanks for the thought but I tried it with no luck and responses to the DA comment are not required...but any and all are welcome to take a shot if they can solve my issue and I'll stand by quietly and say thanks!

 

[JohnsD90]

Only said it cause most cars usually dont completly shut off the dash lights, so when i saw it in this one, thought it could be a potential problem, it is something that would normally be overlooked that is why i brought it up.

 

[mehuddles13]

I was just messing with you…i really did appreciate the thought because I can go brain dead sometimes

 

[mehuddles13]

If I'm wrong I will admit it & he can abuse me verbally lol. Are you talking about the plug being on the bezel for 99 & newer? I might be reading it wrong but that's the way I take it & if so then that isn't the case because I put the old one back…help me understand if I'm having one of those brain dead moments.

 

[steezemcqueen]

which dash fuse did you check

 

[mehuddles13]

II actually checked all the fuses under the dash except the ECU ones

which dash fuse did you check

 

[mehuddles13]

It doesn't appear to have options as far as places to plug them into. The best news is now it seems like my alternator has died…just my luck lol

The part that has the defrost/security/rear window/ect buttons (on the 99+) has two connections in the back. One is real and one is fake (the connection closer to the passenger/security side is the fake one if I remember correctly). I was thinking that maybe the 96-98 part also has an extra fake connection...2 places to plug the wires into when only one is actually used. Take a close look at the backside of that particular part and make sure the wires are connected into the real connection. Confused...just ask again and maybe I can get a pic for you tomorrow.

 

[mehuddles13]

Ok my tail light fuse was blown so my lights all appear to be working again at this point but not sure about the alternator yet. For some silly reason no one is open this late to get it checked lol. Battery is charging and I'll see what happens in the morning. I guess I'll call it a night since I have to be at work at 7 lol. Thanks for all the help guys & John I hope I didn't offend you, I was just joking and admitting that I can go brain dead obviously sometimes!