Dash/Taillights not working after accident

[West]

So I finished swapping on Irena's front end off my 89 Jalopy. Her 91 front go torn off without frame damage or anything. The problem is this. Once I checked the front turn signals and headlights and all worked fine, once I pulled out I noticed the dash wasent working and the rear taillights didnt work, but they do work when you hit the brakes.

Anyone have a clue to what the problem is? Havent checked any fuses yet since we both dont have to much time right now and it gets dark @ 5:30. Bulbs seem to be working just fine though.

[240sxspeedracer1]

wow, thats so weird. That's the exact same problem I had when I bought my car. The taillights and guages wouldn't turn on. So, since I don't really know much about electrical systems I took it to a shop and they fixed it for less than 90 bucks. I just find it weird that the exact same things didnt work.

[ca18guy]

Most likely the fuses. I had similar problems. One light would go off and then the clock and radio would work and etc. Went through and found some blown fuses. Hope thats it since fuses cost like 10 cents.

[240SxTYLE]

it is a blown fuse... its the fourth one down on the left side... im pretty sure of it... i know its atleast on the left side :D

and since you're a newbie we do have search section.... hahahaha... jk.. i know its in there though, i made a thread on it ;)

[mrmephistopheles]

Check fuses first, of course. If they all check out, check for shorts in your electrical system utilizing the process of elimination.

-Kevin

[Mazakin]

I just fixed that problem with mine. It was a fuse as you probably already know, the one for the tail-lights it's a 15 i believe

[240sxspeedracer1]

If only it was that easy. Hopefully, they have already checked for that. I sure did when I had the problem, and as fast as I replaced the fuse, it blew out 2X quicker. That led me to believe that there was a short in the system. That's why I took it to an electrical shop.
Damn, I sure as hell would've been ****ed if the guy would've charged me ~$90 for a $0.25 item.

[240sxspeedracer1]

wait a minute, p.i.s.s. is a bad word? LOL
I didn't know that would be edited out.:: :p

[mrmephistopheles]

Originally posted by James
The fuse controlling the "constant-on" taillights are connected with the dash lights for a reason......
So that you know when the taillights go out!
Pretty smart, eh.
(It's like that on alot of cars)

My '91 didn't experience that. I lots brakelights for a long while without noticing any other electrical irregularities.

-Kevin