Running lights and dash lights don't work.

Tiny
KINNICUTT
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 101,500 MILES
My running lights and dash lights will not work, everything else seems to be in good working order, turn singles, brake lights are fine. This problem started after my battery died due to leaving a car door ajar. I jumped the battery and later that night was when Ive already checked the fuses.
Thursday, September 4th, 2008 AT 10:43 AM

22 Replies

Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Hi kinnicutt
Lets recheck two fuses located in I/P underdash driver side. Fuse 14 10A and fuse 9 20A pull them out take a good look. Let me know

This guide will help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/no-tail-lights-exterior-running-lights-tail-lights-out

Please run down this guide and report back.
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+2
Thursday, September 4th, 2008 AT 2:29 PM
Tiny
G_SMOOTH1
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
  • 1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • 207,000 MILES
My truck would just shut off. No check engine light, however the dashboard light come on dim, both turn signal is lit solid and high beam light is lit. When I do turn on my lights, all lights on the dash turns off, but the chime still work. Cranks normal, wont start. I plugged in a lower end OB2 scanner to see if it would give me something. Ironically, as soon as I plug it in, the dashboard goes to normal, truck starts up like its brand new, drive fine with the scanner still plugged in; unplug problem resurface. If u put a high end scanner(the 7-9 grand), the prob is still there, but the device reads no connection. After I took it home, I unplug the ICM, I hear all the modules cycle, like a reset. Plug it back in and I have a brand new truck (for 24 hrs it seems like). I did replace the ICM. It works well for 2-3 weeks, now the problem is back. Any ideas before I start throwing away money.
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 3:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
G_SMOOTH1
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Oh a few shops I went to, the mechanics first words were WTF
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 3:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
What happens if you try old ICM again?
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 3:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Or did you have to trade it in? Did you get new or used?
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 3:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RANDYHOWES
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1998 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 225,000 MILES
Hi - I have a technical question. I think I need a part for a 1998 Tahoe - however I want to make sure. I have an issue with my lights now
switch in OFF position HEADLIGHTS ON BUT NOT REAR
switch in 1st position headlights on and rear but no dash/radio
swtich in full position HIGH BEAM LIGHTS COME ON click high beam swtich lights turn off - no dash or radio lights.

Checked all fuses so figure do you think it's the switch box - is this correct?
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 3:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Are you confusing daytime running lights with regular headlights?
Have you tried the dash dimmer switch for the dash light issue?
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 3:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Does plugging low end scanner with new ICM work too?
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 3:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RANDYHOWES
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hi - thank you for the quick reply

When the switch is in the off position only the headlights work - thats it - is this right?

Last night I checked the dimmer switch (off, 1st and 2nd click) and it was the problem with dash lights did come on with the lights in the 1st position. (Duh) However the high beams do not work.

When I put the switch in the full 2nd position (12 o, clock) all dash/running lights but no headlights. I click the high beam button and it go to high beam only with all other lights.

If I release the dome overide button (to turn on lights auto when door opened) the lights do not turn off unless I push button in and turn the key and release.
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 3:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
G_SMOOTH1
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I replace the ICM out of process of elimination. I had replaced that when I had initially bought the truck. It was still under warranty so I trade it at no cost. It did work for like 3 weeks without an issue. With the new ICM, yes the problem is the same today.
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 3:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
The headlights you are seeing are likely the daytime running lights and not headlights. If you apply the parking brake, they should shut off. Since you have no low beam, check the bulbs first. If the bulbs are good, check all the fuses and then the dimmer/combination switch.
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 3:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
What was the time period between replacements? Was original cause for purchasing the same?
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 3:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MSCHOPKINS2008
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 CHEVROLET TAHOE
1996 Chevy Tahoe V8 Four Wheel Drive 147k miles

How do I know when to replace the headlights or fuse on my 1996 tahoe. To me they look a little dim at night while driving.
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 3:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ZACKMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,202 POSTS
Light bulbs don't burn out overnight. They dim for a while before that. I would replace the light bulbs if they are dim, or if they are more than a year old.
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 3:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RANDYHOWES
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Ok -will get back to you tommorow. Thanks!
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 3:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
G_SMOOTH1
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
The original one was purchased about a year ago. The original was part of a major tune-up I did. (Originally I replaced distributor, cap-n-rotor, TPS, MASS air flow, etc
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 3:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Closing out question
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 3:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Ok so dont sound like that part is cause. What about wiring/plug issue? That yr is also known for cluster issues.
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 3:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Maybe a ground connection somewhere?
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 3:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
G_SMOOTH1
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Would a bad ground cause the dash to act the way it is currently?
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 3:25 PM (Merged)

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