Mind bender!? Strange cluster and dash illum problem!? Any service guys? GM Geek?

tc3 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-30-06, 12:00 AM

It just happened. And I am in the middle of trying to figure it out.I would appreciate any suggestions or thoughts to it.

It started with me pulling apart my power folding mirrior switch. (2002) the lights are out, and i wanted to double check the bulb and pull it out to find some replacements at the dealer or radio shack. I was measuring at the bulb to check to see if I was getting power...slipped and shorted out the dash lights. No biggie, just a fuse....the int dome, outside park, folding mirrior function and door switch lights are still working.
So I check all the fuses, they seem good. Checked under the hood and driver side dash. Nothing?!?
One thing I noticed...when I have the park lights on, the Fuel/computer fades out.
WTF.. Are the instrument lights trying to ground down the fuel computer line??
It's dark, I'll try again tomorrow.
But I would very mush appreciate any ones input. It should really only be a fuse?!?!Am I missing a fuse location??
I did pull out one bulb from the folding mirrior switch (there are 2). Do the dash lights need to be on one closed circut. Would the one missing bulb affect the rest of the dash lights? It shouldn't!?!?

Thanks and sorry for the long story!!

yourgmsolutions · #2 (**permalink**) 12-30-06, 12:22 AM

is this the switch you talking about ?

tc3 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-30-06, 12:26 AM

Yup thats the one.
I've got it hook up to my alarm as an ext to fold. It has never had a problem?!?
Until I tried to measure 12v at the bulb!!

yourgmsolutions · #4 (**permalink**) 12-30-06, 12:33 AM

one more time, what exactly is not working
1. temp. disconnetct your alarm wire from the switch (possible feed back happend when you shorted it

yourgmsolutions · #5 (**permalink**) 12-30-06, 12:48 AM

this is schematics of power mirror switch. I looked, and it does have something to do with illumination. however, can't find anything about that light bolb
Have you tried fuse box on the right side of the dash by the door ?

tc3 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-30-06, 01:07 AM

the cluster and dash lights (Dimming lights) will not light up now.
The park lights, dome and door switch lights work!

ALSO!!! when the park light is on, the fuel computer goes out!

I will try disconnecting the alarm wire tomorrow! thats a good point!

yourgmsolutions · #7 (**permalink**) 12-30-06, 01:14 AM

check one more thing. under the hood fuse box
fuse # 46

tc3 · #8 (**permalink**) 12-30-06, 01:15 AM

Fuse box on the Right??

I checked the hood location and drivers dash when u open the door.
Am I missing another location? I hope so!!!

tc3 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-30-06, 01:31 AM

I will check #46 in the morn, thx!
From the diagram, It looks like the mirrior switch shares the same ground as the interior dimming lights. By chance, does the fuel computer share the same ground?
Thx again

yourgmsolutions · #10 (**permalink**) 12-30-06, 01:43 AM

I'll try to get some more info for you too

tc3 · #11 (**permalink**) 12-31-06, 02:57 PM

Which one is #46. My fuse box isn't numbered.
Could have I blown the dimmer dial?!?

yourgmsolutions · #12 (**permalink**) 12-31-06, 03:31 PM

possibly you damaged
the switch
RADIO Fuse #46
15A
Radio and Instrument Cluster

tc3 · #13 (**permalink**) 12-31-06, 06:51 PM

46 is good! They all are good. I'm going to test the dimmer next.
Thx

tc3 · #14 (**permalink**) 12-31-06, 06:53 PM

By the way is the HDLP Relay the spot where I could add a diode in order to get my low beams to stay on when I'm using my highbeams?

ewill3rd · #15 (**permalink**) 12-31-06, 07:09 PM

Check the ILLUM fuse in the left hand IP fuse block.
Otherwise you could have fried the potentiometer in the headlamp switch.

I agree, remove the wiring you have installed and be sure what's happening before you try to move forward.