I just installed a cd player in my 1985 FB and as soon as i got the radio working my dash lights quit. my clock still lights up and my headlights work fine but nothing on the dash. I'm not sure if i messed up the wiring or something like that, i know its not the fuses. So before i have to tear into it any advice on what might be the problem, so i know what to look for
thanks

 

make sure you didn't plug in the connector near the shifter. these will short out the lights and make them not come on. it most likely killed your dimmer switch. you can either buy a new switch or hotwire it. also check to make sure you didn't burn a fuse.

 

+1 ^^ you're not a first gen owner unless you've done this at least once lol.

 

you know you're a 1st gen owner when you've done this
haha

 

i am pretty sure thats what i did, thanks for the advice, once it stops raining here i will get back at it
mj

 

good luck with that lol. i've been waiting since wednesday for it to stop raining so that i can go install my idler arm bushings.....argh...

 

Yep, those wires are just begging to be plugged into each other. Do that and you burn up the dimmer dial. Don't ask how I know this.

 

probably the same way i do, and i drove the car as my dd without the dash lights for 2 years ;p

2 years until i fixed it

 

The dimmer **** can go bad. If you unhook it from the back & jump the wire from one side to the other, your dash light should come one. If you need further info let me know I'll take some pics for you.

 

the dimmer switch has been bad since i have had the car, joeymazda that would be very helpful thanks,
mj

 

My car is an '81 and it's located on the right hand side of the steering wheel. On the '85 it's located on the left. Unplug it from the back & jump a wire like on the pic, from one side to the other.

 

on my car i had to use a screw driver to carefully pry it open. then just cut the two red wires, and linked them together. soldered them and heat shrinked them and it has worked since.
the only bad thing is that its stuck on max bright

 

That's the same way I patched mine up to get the dash lights working again. Good info Joey, and nice pics...

 

Been there, done that. Those wires are supposed to be connected in automatics but not in a standard shift. I burned out two dimmer switches before I humbled myself into posting the problem. The PO had a new clutch put in and his mechanic obviously wasn't going by the book.

AthensRX7, I'm just up the road from you about 10 miles, in Jefferson Georgia. Stop by if you are ever up this way.

 

i connected the wires from the dimmer and voila the dash lights work again. and ray whereabouts in jefferson?
thanks for all the advice
mj