I hooked up an autometer gauge and wired the backlight for it into the wireing for the dimmer switch. It worked for a little bit, but I blew a fuse and lost all the dash lights. I thought I found the reason for the fuse blowing, missed putting electrical tape on one of my connections, and replaced the fuse. dashlights worked to test it once, but later on, they stop working. pulled the fuse but it wasn't blown. went trough and checked ALL of the fuses in all 3 fuse boxes. I mean I pulled every last one out and checked it.

unhooked the backlight for the gauge.

today I checked the multiplex system. it seems to be ok but with one interesting quirk. when I put it into diagnostic mode 2 and check different switches, the helms says the system should beep and the ignition light should blink. mine just beeps, never blinks. tried resetting it using this procedure, but there was no change in the function.

I checked voltage on both wires i used. the combination light switch (red/black wire) shows 12v when the headlights are on and connected to ground. The multiplex control unit (red wire) also shows 12v when the lights are on and its connected to ground. niether line is effected by moving the dimmer switch.


I'm pretty much stumped at this point. anyone have any ideas?

 

The ignition key light gets it's power from the #47 fuse in the under dash fuse box through the wht/yel wire. The drivers multiplex unit supplies the ground. Did it beep any codes in mode 1?

 

I'll double check the #47 fuse tomorrow morning when there is some daylight, but the ignition light does work when you start the car, so I'm guessing that it's getting power.

no codes in mode 1. It does beep 6 times when I take it out of diagnostic mode though. no mention of that in the helms so I wasn't sure what to think.

 

OK I went back and checked fuse #47. it tests out fine.

Is it possible my drivers side multiplex unit is toast?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jweller &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Is it possible my drivers side multiplex unit is toast?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yes.

 

any other thoughts before I throw an expensive part at it

 

mulyiplex is pretty likely your problem since u have no blown fuses... we have seen many ody's with blown fuses and coins in the cd player causing them.....

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by solo2slocivic &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">we have seen many ody's with blown fuses and coins in the cd player causing them.....</TD></TR></TABLE>

I'm pretty sure that isn't my problem...unless my dog was stuffing coins in there