1997 Chevrolet Truck Lights Out

1997 CHEVROLET TRUCK

BOB ELLIS

MEMBER
1 POST

The taillight won't come on The turn signals/emergency flashers/backup lights work fine, checked the bulbs and fuses, they are fine. Headlights come on when I start the car, and cannot be shut off without shutting off the car they should have to be turned on on a 97. High/low beams are Ok Also the dashboard lights are out. I ordered and installed a new headlight switch, no change. Any ideas? or does this need to go to the shop? Thanks

Nov 21, 2006 at 10:13 AM

DANNY L

✓Experienced Mechanic
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I'm Danny

Your truck has the DRL option- daytime running lights which means even during the daytime the headlights will come on automatically when you start the truck. As far as the taillights and dashboard cluster lights not working you might have an open wire in both circuits. Here is a wire testing tutorial:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

First thing I would test would be the fuses in location #4 and #9 in the instrument panel fuse box and circled in green. Here is a tutorial on how to test and replace fuses.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

I've attached below pictures of the fuse locations and the wiring diagrams for the taillights and instrument cluster. I've cut the diagrams into three pieces so you can view larger. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Aug 21, 2021 at 3:53 PM

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Suggested Repair

Confirm the headlights staying on is normal daytime running light behavior. For the dead taillights and dash lights, test instrument panel fuses 4 and 9, then check both circuits for an open wire.

Conversation Summary

A 1997 Chevrolet truck owner reported taillights and dashboard lights not working, while turn signals, flashers, backup lights, and high/low beams worked. The headlights came on at startup and could not be switched off. A new headlight switch did not help. The expert explained that daytime running lights turn the headlights on automatically, and suggested testing instrument panel fuses 4 and 9 and checking the taillight and instrument cluster circuits for an open wire.

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1997 Chevrolet Truck Lights Out

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