My Dash lights are OUT!

[ineedhelp]

Hi guys,

As you can see, by my username, I need help! Hehe. Well, here's the problem, I have been driving a 1994 corolla for about 2 years, runs fine, good fuel economy, so no complaints except that the lighting on my dashboard isn't working! I have checked all fuses and grounds to make sure if the problem is there but they're fine. It seems that everything that the dimmer once controlled no long operates. So I am in the process of locating a dimmer assembly. All I am asking for is any suggestions as to what to inspect before finally giving in and have a "professional" take a look at it.

Cliffnotes:

1) Lights refuse to work on dash (instrument, center console, gear indicators, etc.)
2) Checked fuses, grounds, wires (fine)
3) Begging you guys to help me,

Thanks guys, even if you aren't certain what the problem may be.

[Chris Corolla S]

Hmm, I don't know what the problem could be, but I will move it to the Tech section and that might help...
Good luck. Also try doing various serches for "dash lights", etc. It has probably been discussed before

[Voodoo.Priest]

Have you installed a new radio recently? When I did I had an extea wire and thought nothing of it. When I put everything back together and started the car up I found out what it was to. It was to the gadges. they worked fine but did not light up. For what ever reason that wire is hooked up in the radio wrie harness.

I'm not sure if it is the same for newer Corollas or not but this might be the problem.

[jhale1]

I'm not familiar with a Corolla, but I helped out a friend once who had the same problem on a Nissan. His dash lights didn't work. I checked out the plug connected to the back of the dimmer switch with a test light. It was getting juice, so I just took a small peice of wire and jumpered two of the contacts in the plug (basically the same has your switch being turned all the way up). It worked and it narrowed the problem down to being the dimmer switch.

Hope this helps.....

[ineedhelp]

thanks guy, i'll give that a try, jhale

[ineedhelp]

BTW, the male plug that connects to the dimmer contains 3 wires:

one Solid Green wire
one Green/White wire
one Black/White wire.

What are these suppose to represent? Thanks for your help again, guys.

[jhale1]

Originally posted by ineedhelp
BTW, the male plug that connects to the dimmer contains 3 wires:

one Solid Green wire
one Green/White wire
one Black/White wire.

What are these suppose to represent? Thanks for your help again, guys.

I'm just guessing, but probably:

? Black/White - ground
? Green - voltage to or from the switch
? Green/White- voltage to or from the switch

I think the dimmer controls the voltage traveling from one of your green wires to the other, but again, I'm not familiar with your car and I'm probably wrong. Anyone out there with a Corolla Haynes manuel that could check?