gauge lights don't work...driving stealth at night. Resolved

[hellaGT]

I was replacing 3 light bulbs. 2 in the bottom/inside front door lamps and 1 in the glove compartment.
All lights worked prior, I just got some LED replacements.

So when I replaced the glove compartment the new LED light didn't work so I put the old one back in.

Later that night I went to turn my headlights on and everything that is operated by the gauge light dimmer switch (Speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temp, and fan switches in the climate control) doesn't turn on... Check engine and blinker lights inside work.

Ive checked fuses and put old bulbs back in everywhere... I don't know how this is related to replacing the bulbs though.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

[)2edline]

"So when I replaced the glove compartment the new LED light didn't work so I put the old one back in. "

That is what happened to me. My glove compartment light is no longer operable with any bulb. Later that day after I switched it back, my cluster went dark. I had blown fuses though. I replaced it and they came back.

Though it is important to note that my glove compartment still doesnt work, and my Gear selector illuminator periodically doesnt light up. its really weird.

[hellaGT]

Sounds like you had the same problem.

So I realized there is another fuse box and I found a 10 fuse had popped. Replaced it only to find that the new one instantly popped when I tried the lights.

I'm just going to buy a batch of fuses and try a few things to fix it. Any ideas? This means something has been shorted but don't know where to look...

[impreza_GC8]

Whatever light bulbs you tried to replace, go back and make sure you didn't pinch any of the wires on metal. Sounds to me like one of the light power wires is being grounded onto the car chassis.

[New GT]

impreza_GC8 that is very good advice.

[hellaGT]

Took all the replacment LEDs out and put the originals back in the sockets, checked the sockets like impreza gc8 said, looked at the glove compartment socket with a small "makeup" mirror (borrowed) like a dentist, and changed the fuse again... I have dash lights again! Must have just been those LED bulbs... they were ment for a 12v car system but they must draw too much power for the fuse. Thanks for the help, everything works now :smt023

[Reason]

I'm having this same problem

[Huffer]

Took all the replacment LEDs out and put the originals back in the sockets, checked the sockets like impreza gc8 said, looked at the glove compartment socket with a small "makeup" mirror (borrowed) like a dentist, and changed the fuse again... I have dash lights again! Must have just been those LED bulbs... they were ment for a 12v car system but they must draw too much power for the fuse. Thanks for the help, everything works now :smt023

Err, LEDs draw LESS current than a regular bulb.
It's quite possible one or all of them are defective.

[hellaGT]

Oh that's right... I'm no electrical engineer but it was confusing.
After taking the LEDs out of the "inside/bottom" door lamps that were working even when the "ILLUMI" labled fuse for the gauge lights was broken, replacing the originals, then replaced the broken fuse... the fuse didn't pop when I switched on the headlights and everything worked.

It is safe to say that the electrical systems of these cars are sensitive.

[Huffer]

You may want to clean up your factory grounds and/or install a new grounding kit.

[hellaGT]

So the 10 fuse ended up popping again... finally just put in a spare 15 fuse and the lights have been working for a few days now.

[green97gt]

adding a higher amperage fuse than specified probably isnt the BEST idea

[hellaGT]

been working for a month now... after the wet/rainy season I'll try to plug the original 10 fuse back in. I don't think there is any real problem though, dash bulbs aren't any brighter, none have burnt out ect...

[Soul Shinobi]

Any chance the polarity is wrong?

[Legacy89]

LED only work one way. Put it it, check for light, turn it around. Easy.

[Soul Shinobi]

Yeah, that's the theory, but I'm wondering if something else might be going on since it's such a common problem. Maybe when put in wrong they're shorting out, causing a partial short condition when put in correctly (maybe even if they light)? Just a thought, have to admit I don't know a whole lot at electronics.

[Legacy89]

I put blue led in my dash, only problem i have is bad connection on the right top one. Im going to fix that when it gets warmer outside.