1999 Chevy Suburban Dash Lights Out

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BIGFREDLAB
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  • 2 POSTS
I have a 1999 Suburban with 109K mi. Recently, my dashboard lights (behind the gauges, radio, and AC) will not come on. The headlights switch from daytime to regular when the lights are switched on.

This seemed to have happened the last time I towed my trailor.

I have checked the fusebox, all of the fuses are fine.

I am not sure where I can look next . . . help?
Jul 31, 2006 at 7:49 AM
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BIGFREDLAB
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Any Ideas?
Aug 8, 2006 at 9:50 AM
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MIKEYBDMAN
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 623 POSTS
[quote:8e435459c1="bigfredlab"]I have a 1999 Suburban with 109K mi. Recently, my dashboard lights (behind the gauges, radio, and AC) will not come on. The headlights switch from daytime to regular when the lights are switched on.

This seemed to have happened the last time I towed my trailor.

I have checked the fusebox, all of the fuses are fine.

I am not sure where I can look next . . . help?[/quote:8e435459c1]

Power comes from the Instrument panel dimming control . It goes thru the "Illum fuse 14" in the IP Fuse Block. You can check for resistance thru the pins D and E of the dimmer switch and see if you read just a small amount of resistance to ground. So, you have good continuity, the ground and lights are probably good. if the ground is good, and the fuse is good, it may be the Headlamp and Panel Dimmer Switch.
Aug 8, 2006 at 11:36 AM

Suggested Repair

Check Illum fuse 14 in the instrument panel fuse block and continuity through pins D and E of the dimmer switch for a small resistance to ground. If the fuse and ground are good, the headlamp and panel dimmer switch is the likely fault.

Conversation Summary

A 1999 Chevrolet Suburban with 109,000 miles lost illumination behind the gauges, radio, and AC controls after towing a trailer. Headlights still switch from daytime running lights to regular headlights, and the fuses appear good. The expert says power comes from the instrument panel dimmer through Illum fuse 14 and recommends checking continuity at dimmer switch pins D and E; if the fuse and ground are good, the headlamp and panel dimmer switch may be faulty.

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