2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

I have dash lights.. no tail lights

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Old Aug 10, 2005 | 11:18 AM
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I have dash lights.. no tail lights

Ok. I just replaced the headlight switch. For a while, all the lights worked. Now, the head lights work. The dash lights work. None of the others do. None of the tail, parking, or side markers work. I did have a license plate light that was out. I dunno if that has anything to do with it. I checked the headlight switch again. It's still good.. no burn marks or anything like that. Any ideas?
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Old Aug 10, 2005 | 11:22 AM
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From: Rohnert Park CA
how is the condition of the headlight switch harness???

Are you sure that you replaced the headlight switch with a good working one???
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Old Aug 10, 2005 | 11:27 AM
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Well... I pulled it out of another FC in a junkyard, but everything worked when I installed it. Is it possible for that switch to go bad so just the tail and parking lights won't work, but the dash lights will still work? I also replaced the harness for the headlight switch.

Last edited by Autocrosser7; Aug 10, 2005 at 11:30 AM.
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Old Aug 10, 2005 | 11:55 AM
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Parking lights and dash lights are two different circuits. Of course it is possible.
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Old Aug 10, 2005 | 01:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Autocrosser7
Is it possible for that switch to go bad so just the tail and parking lights won't work, but the dash lights will still work?
It's a very common failure, I've had two FC's screw up like that. The light switch burned out, but in both cases the harness was still OK.

It's very possible the replacement switch took a dump.
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Old Aug 10, 2005 | 05:49 PM
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Ok. I was in there taking a look at all the connectors and everything, and the lights just turned back on.. So, I suppose that something is just loose under there. Now I get to have fun and find what's loose.
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Old Aug 12, 2005 | 11:06 AM
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Ok. I was messin around with the wiring, and the lights came back on all of a sudden. So I drove that night. The next day, they were out again. It sounds like something is loose. Which connectors should I check? Besides the one coming from the headlight switch. Which connector should I be concerned with as far as the fuse box? Fuse is good, by the way.

I also found this four prong connector that wasn't plugged into anything. It's under the steering wheel, but to the right. I can't find where it's supposed to go. Any suggestions on that?
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Old Aug 12, 2005 | 11:26 AM
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99.9999 percent of the time it is the connector at the light switch. Either it is bad, or the light switch itself is bad there. Is there any discoloration on either the harness or the light switch where the harness plugs in???

The other .0001 precent of the time it is the dimmer circuit inside the light switch.

I suppose the light switch harness at the fuse bock connector could be bad as well, but I would think that unlikely.

And since you said messing with the wire made it work, that pretty much rules out the insides of the fuse box.
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Old Aug 16, 2005 | 03:30 PM
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When I jiggled the plug at the light switch, the lights came back on. So then, I suppose, that it is the connector? Can I replace just the connector or will I have to find another switch?
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Old Aug 16, 2005 | 04:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Autocrosser7
When I jiggled the plug at the light switch, the lights came back on. So then, I suppose, that it is the connector? Can I replace just the connector or will I have to find another switch?
If it is the connector in the switch, you can try removing the solder in the switch where the connector meets, and then flowing new sodler in.

You still didn't say if there was any discoloration of either the connector on the switch at the terminals or on the light switch harness itself
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Old Oct 1, 2005 | 06:53 PM
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i have the same problem but with me my connector that plugs to the headlight switch is burnt but when i switched out my messed up switch for another used one i bought it worked for like 2 weeks. Then it just never came back on so im guessing its my switch that has to be fucked

but how could it have worked with the connector burnt. Thats whats wierd

Thanks
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