No headlights, taillights, or brake light

Tiny
XWEARTHEGRDGEX
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  • 1989 DODGE DAKOTA
Electrical problem 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual n/a miles

I have been having this problem for a few days now. None of the lights work except for my turn signals and hazard lights. In fact. Nothing electrical works in the truck at all. Only the gauges. And that's because I changed the fuses out to get it to work. Otherwise, the radio doesn't work, the dome light doesn't work and the cigarette lighter as well. But my main issue is the headlights/taillights. I checked the bulbs, they're all good. So I looked under the hood to find the relays, and I only found two relays in the whole truck. I was told that there are no relays for the headlights on this year and model. But I checked anyway. The two relays that were there both would click one time when hooked to power. And also, I replaced the headlight switch with a brand new one, 99% positive that it would be the fix, only to be disappointed again. I've run out of ideas. Somebody help me out here?
Friday, August 20th, 2010 AT 1:12 PM

14 Replies

Tiny
JDL
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When you were replacing the headlamp switch, did you check for voltage at the red wire, B1 in the diagram. That circuit is hot all the time, voltage comes from fusible link, left shock tower, under the hood. When turn on the headlamp switch, the voltage then goes to the dimmer switch.


http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/170934_dakota_headlamp_switch_1.jpg

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Friday, August 20th, 2010 AT 1:45 PM
Tiny
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There is no power going to the switch at all.
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Saturday, August 21st, 2010 AT 6:43 AM
Tiny
JDL
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You need to check fusible links at left shock tower. One way to test fusible links, check for voltage on both sides of the link.
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Saturday, August 21st, 2010 AT 9:32 AM
Tiny
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Where is that located? And also, do you know where i. I I can get a diagram for the fuses? I need to know if I have the right ones in the right places
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Saturday, August 21st, 2010 AT 11:55 AM
Tiny
JDL
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Your headlites don't work off a fuse,anyway. I don't have a picture of the fusible link location. One of your positive battery wires has to go to that junction.


http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/170934_dakota_fuse_block_1.jpg

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Saturday, August 21st, 2010 AT 12:10 PM
Tiny
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Thank you. And I know. I needed that for another problem.
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Saturday, August 21st, 2010 AT 12:16 PM
Tiny
XWEARTHEGRDGEX
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Im sorry. But the picture is displayed too small for me to make anything of it. You said the left shock tower should be under the hood. Which wires should I follow to find the fusible link?
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Sunday, August 22nd, 2010 AT 12:52 PM
Tiny
JDL
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Follow one of the positive battery wires to fusible link. The more I enlarge the fuse-box picture, the less I can copy. What is the fuse circuit your having a problem with?
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Sunday, August 22nd, 2010 AT 2:21 PM
Tiny
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So, tinkering around with the wiring, i found this. The geniuses at autozone cant tell me anything about it. it needs to be replaced. but i dont know how to go about getting a new one. im not sure if its relevant to the headlight problem.. but it definitely needs to be replaced. its hard to tell by looking at the pictures. but corrosion has eaten through some of the connectors.


http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/563617_20100823_093839_1.jpg




http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/563617_20100823_093925_1.jpg



also. i dont know which fuse circuit im having a problem with. i dont know anything about wiring.. im just kinda trying to teach myself as i go..
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Monday, August 23rd, 2010 AT 9:27 AM
Tiny
JDL
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Is that where the electricals go through the firewall? That maybe a dealership only item? On an older vehicle, if it is a dealer only item, it may be out of production. Sometimes I have to find a part at the salvage yard, on older vehicles.
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Monday, August 23rd, 2010 AT 11:06 AM
Tiny
XWEARTHEGRDGEX
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Yes, and the wires that come from the headlights lead here. Although they're not the bad ones. But it goes through the firewall. The second picture is near the pedals.I
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Monday, August 23rd, 2010 AT 12:41 PM
Tiny
TIMCUMMINGS
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I'm sort of having the same problem I recently got a new stereo put in then later found out I no longer had taillights along with my dome nd dash lights went out so I got my taillights fixed nd my stereo no longer worked now before on occasion I would turn on my headlight nd my stereo would flash off then I go to get in it one night nd I suddenly have no headlights taillights etc so I took out the stereo nd there was a spark nd my dome light went out after I had just gotten it fixed help pls
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Wednesday, March 20th, 2013 AT 5:19 AM
Tiny
RANDYGLA
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Thru the firewall plug advice was just the ticket for no headlights tail and brake. Lower left RED hot wire blade was corodide off. Remove battery cables and just cut wire on hot side drill 1/4" hole above plug splice new wire in and put thru hole. Cut same wire on inside and splice together. Headlights once again.
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Sunday, June 11th, 2017 AT 9:30 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Great addition to this thread! Please feel free to help out whenever you are on the site :)

Cheers, Ken
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Tuesday, June 13th, 2017 AT 12:03 PM

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