Center Console Lights Won't Illuminate
 

I'm having a hard time trying to solve this problem. All the lights on the console (Ac/heater, radio, tape, Cd, clock etc.), won't illuminate. The buttons work but I can't see them at night. The gearshift lights on the stick are out too. I replaced the bulb on the gearshift and it still won't illuminate. I have to use the dash to tell me what gear I'm in. I checked all the fuses including the Panel fuse and they are good. Fuses under the hood are good too. I took the Console out and can't see anything that will tell me why it won't light up. The big information screen works just fine. What is wrong?

Have you tried turning the little dial to the left of the steering wheel that adjusts the interior lights brightness? Try that and come back.

Oh yea--that was the first thing I tried. I hoped it was that easy!

Was any work done after which this problem happened?

Time to pull out VOM and start checking voltages and ohmage to GND.

After checking voltage at the output of the pot (dimmer control) check cluster to gnd ohmage. If any one worked on the air intake, there are bunch of gnd straps near firewall.


Salim

No--no work like that was ever done. I find it hard to believe that all lights would go out at the same time. Including the gearshift illumination. It must be a relay or something. I am hoping that someone would have an easy fix for an electrical novice with some step by steps.

During day [with light switch off], does the cluster light up? the gear console will not light up during day. This will confirm that gnd and bulbs are ok.

Salim

The console doesn't but I will check the gearshift tonight since I changed that bulb yesterday.

You know we are talking about the center console where the radio /ac buttons are right? Not the instrument cluster over the steering wheel.

Also, the gearshift doesn't light up at night with new bulb. Any other ideas?

im having the same problem at night right now. im looking at the repair manual it its says that their are couple relay and fuse located behind the bumper on driver side for day light lights and other light features

Thanks Big 1. I will check it out when my wife comes home.

Does it label which relay and or fuse to pull?

All the fuses are good. Which relay handles those types of lights? Is there one that just handles the gearshift, and radio lights?

What the ****! I'm having the same problem, its been like this for months and I really want to get it fixed. I've just started searching, and this is the only thread I see pertaining to my problem, but this is a dead end with no results. Can someone point me to the right direction? :) Thanks. Fuses, relays, I mean everything works except for the exact lights that the op described.

Center Console Lights Won't Illuminate
 

JJ, its been a couple of years and I still haven't located a fix for the illumination. I can't believe no one else has encountered this problem. Keep checking back because I haven't gave up. Do me a favor though, if you come across a viable cure, post back and let us know so we can close this thread out.