1988 Dodge Dakota Dash Lights Out

1988 DODGE DAKOTA
150,000 MILES
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DEBLWAGNER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Normally, pull knob to turn headlights and rotate same knob to adjust brightness of dash lights. Headlights work, dome light works, but dash completely dark. Fuse looks good, don't know what else to check.
Aug 30, 2011 at 5:38 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,248 POSTS
Check the fuse for continunity to confirm it is good. They can look good and still be bad. Also, the lights to the dash are powered through the headlight switch. Check to make sure the plug to the switch is tight. Finally, check for weak or broken body grounds under the dash.
Aug 30, 2011 at 6:49 PM
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KHLOW2008
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 41,812 POSTS
Are the taillights working?
Aug 30, 2011 at 11:16 PM
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BOCCO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I am also having that problem. So far everything else seems to be ok. My tail lights do not turn on, and after a couple minutes, the radio display will flash a few times.
Nov 6, 2026 at 8:59 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,691 POSTS
It sounds like the headlight switch has gone bad. I would remove it and then turn it on to test for power at the yellow wire, here is the headlight switch wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works.
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Nov 7, 2026 at 11:03 AM

Suggested Repair

Test the dash-light fuse for continuity, confirm the headlight-switch connector is tight, and check body grounds under the dash. If the taillights also fail, test the headlight switch and replace it if it has failed.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1988 Dodge Dakota reports that the dash lights stay dark even though the headlights and dome light work and the fuse looks intact. Experts advise checking fuse continuity, the headlight-switch plug, and body grounds under the dash. A second user reports dead taillights and a flashing radio display, and an expert then suspects a failed headlight switch and recommends testing it for power.

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