It just happend on Wednesday.
I turned the headlights on and I notice that the background gauges light is not on. I check the dimmer **** and it's on the ON position. I also notice that the tail lights are not coming on also; I'm referring to the rear lights that are supposed to turn on when the headlights are on.
Brake lights, turn signal lights and reverse lights do come on though.

I checked for burnt out fuses and all fuses are ok.

 

I know that it tends to be the dimmer switch itself when your guage lights wont come on but ive never heard of it having an effect on the tail lights.

To change the dimmer switch just push in and turn clockwise? or maybe its counter clockwise. The *** will come off and then you can unscrew the securing washer and pull the unit out.

 

The guage lights, side markers and taillights are all on the same circuit. These lights operate on a seperate circuit from the brake, reverse, and headlights. The taillight/interior light circuit does not use a relay so that wouldn't be your problem. It's most likely your combo switch. Pull it off and verify that the contacts are closing when you turn the lights to the first position on the **** (parking & taillights on, but not the headlights).

 

J, stupid question...but where's that combo switch that you're talking about?

I'm reading my Haynes book and I don't see where that might be located. Maybe Haynes calls it something else?

 

Thats the light/wiper switch. It's a combination of both switches, so "Combo switch" It's not a stupid question. It seems like everytime I refer to it as a combo switch someone asks what it is Maybe it's just me, I've just always called it the combo switch.

 

Is this switch found in the driver side below the steering wheel?

Haynes gives me a list of switches and relays, but nothing of a light & wiper type.

 

He's talking about the switch you use to turn you headlights on... ya know, the long stick kinda thing with a switch on on it next to the steering wheel?????

Rod.

 

yeah reach down and turn your lights on. Now turn your wipers on. now remove the part that you just used to turn those on.