I got in this afternoon and started up. I noticed immediately that my radio, speedo, tach, and thermostat gauges were not working. My oil pressure and battery gauges are though???? I checked my fuses and they look fine, not to mention that the fuse for the radio is different from the fuse for the gauges. What is going on here???

 

no ideas??

Also the dash lights dont work either.

 

It sounds like a connector in the dashboard has come loose. I'd get out the tools and test light if I were you. I'd also check all the fusable links.

 

Ok, so I actually found a fuse that was blown. Didnt see it the first time I looked. It was the Power Assy fuse. Now the plot thickens....I change the fuse, and it immediately blows the new fuse.

I guess I have a short somewhere, but where I dont know.

 

I would take the dash apart and unplug the radio and gauges.

Then replace the fuse... see if it blows.

Fuse blows - trace the wire harness from the radio and instrament panel back to the fuse box looking for shorts.

Fuse does not blow - narrow it down to the radio or the gauges, and repair/replace.

 

I had the same problem, figured my one fog light case had a crack. Water would condense and then blow the bulb. Then whever I turned on my fog lights the fuse blew taking out radio and gauge lights, although my gauges seemed to work fine. I think mine was the power accsry fuse also.

Since then I haven't turned on the fog lights and haven't blown the fuse.

 

Good call, there may be more on that fuse than the radio and gauges... See what else doesn't work.

 

Ok, I have never taken the dash off of my car. Where do I start so that I can unplug the radio and gauges??? I dont want to break off something trying to take it off the wrong way.

 

Your signature does not say what kind of car you have?

 

2001 v6 camaro 3.8

 

As stated above, start with what is not working and then look at the obvious - the dash assembly thankfully is probably the least likely, any lights, exterior wiring, etc. are more likely. Turn everything that is not working to the off position, if ti doesn't blow, turn them on one by one. Look at any bulbs, wires etc. If you don't find anything, start by disconnecting the easier things and keep going. Get yourself a box of fuses so you have plenty to try.

 

that fuse powers the theft deterrant relay, the rear compartment lid release, the outside rearview mirror switch, the radio, the shock sensor, and the Instrument panel, all with orange wires

diagram coming up



ETA

here you go

 

Excellent info, thanks. So take a look at the wiring, the hood release relay etc. first and let us know what you find.

 

OK, thanks guys. I am going to look at it this morning. I am going to buy some fuses this morning while I am at work and run down the list of things to check. Thanks again for the info and I will let ya know what I find.

 

Alright, here is what I have got. I replaced the fuse and turned the key. The instrument panel worked. I turned on the radio, everything still worked. I adjusted my outside mirrors, everything still worked. I popped my trunk, everything still worked.
I did notice that my park lights and fog lights did not work the whole time. My headlights do, but the others do not. I then turned the key off and back on, everything was still ok. I turned the key off and hit my keyless entry to try the theft detterent relay, and POP. That is what is blowing my fuse.

Now, is there any correlation between the park lights and fog lights not working and the problem with the theft detterent relay?? My lights usually flash when the I lock and unlock the doors.

Thanks in advance
~Damon