Hello all, I've been encountering some strange issues with my 87 GT. I bought her back in April with the hopes of learning how to work on cars as I get her back into shape. Lately I've been having issues with my lights. My dash lights do not come on at all, even when the headlights are turned on. It used to be that they would take a while to turn on after the headlights were turned on, but now they don't come on at all. A bit after this problem arose, my taillights went completely out as well.
I haven't checked the bulbs for the taillights or the dash yet, as I think it may be a fuse issue. As far as I know its not super common for *all* your dashl ights or both your taillights to go out at the exact same time. Which brings me to my next issue: My headlights don't go down.
The headlight switch will turn the actual lights on and off, but they wont retract back in when turned off. I've had to manually turn the knob to get them down the last few times I drove the car. All these issues cropped up within 2 months of each other which is why I think they all may have the same root cause. Anyone with more experience than me, does this all sound like a fuse issue? Could all the issues be unrelated to each other? Anything similar happen to yall? I appreciate any input y'all have. Thank you!
I would start with replacing the headlight switch. Sounds like the contacts inside have gone bad. Also, roll the dimmer wheel below the headlight switch in both directions. Full one direction will turn all instrument lights off. Full in the other will brighten them and also turn on the overhead console light. You can get a light switch from The Fiero Store, but they are all black. Autozone sells the Duralast switch that's light gray and black like stock. They're about $15.
Yes, the dimmer wire. Here is everything that 1 fuse controls. I suspect the dimmer wire is connected wrong which blows the fuse every time you use the headlights. Disconnect the brown and grey wires from the stereo and see if that fixes it.
And this is what they do:
[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 11-26-2021).]
Ah damn lol that explains a lot. I've never put in a radio before so I didn't think about any other issues it could cause. I'll work on that later today and see if it works, thank you so much for your help
Yes, the dimmer wire. Here is everything that 1 fuse controls. I suspect the dimmer wire is connected wrong which blows the fuse every time you use the headlights. Disconnect the brown and grey wires from the stereo and see if that fixes it.
And this is what they do:
I just disconnected the Grey wire and replaced the fuse and it worked like magic, thank you so much! I really appreciate your help
If you short/overload the Gry wire... Should blow 5A Inst LP fuse before blowing 20A tail light fuse.
Does Dash Dimmer knob Work? If not See my Cave, Dash Dimmer
At minimum check Inst LP for 5A fuse because Maybe some fool put bigger fuse there...
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
