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View Full Version : Tail lamps + Gauge cluster lights won't turn on

CSil80
02-11-2009, 05:30 PM
So I turn my car on the other night, and come to find that my gauge cluster doesn't light up. All the gauges work just fine, it's just the light is out.
Also found out that my tail lamps don't light up. The brake lights work just fine, but they don't light up with the headlights on.

Car is a 92 hatchback.
I checked fuses and connections but they're all fine. I'm stumped on this one and searching is getting me nowhere. Need to get this figured out quickly too seeing as I can't afford a ticket, but It's my DD. Help!
YoungGun
02-11-2009, 05:36 PM
Search "TCU", pretty sure thats your problem with your cluster lights.

I can't believe how many people have this same problem lol.
harangatang
02-11-2009, 05:39 PM
mine does this occasionally as well. there is a short or something with the light stalk on the column.
Jiggle the stalk a little and see if that fixes it. Thats how I make mine work lol.
Unless its completely shot..
Then get a new one.
CSil80
02-11-2009, 05:50 PM
Just replaced the TCU with one from my shell.
Didn't work. Anything other suggestions?
Hopefully before it gets too dark :P
projectRDM
02-11-2009, 07:37 PM
Lighting switch. Test your switch in a working car, not the other way around. Whatever caused it to burn out may still be a problem and burn out a replacement.
Alpha Residence
02-12-2009, 11:01 PM
tail lights and gauge cluster lights are on the same circuit iirc. Go into the fuse box, drivers side kick panel, I can't remember what fuse it is exactly but something to do with interior lights or something, just check every fuse anyways IIRC it's a 10amp fuse. I've had that problem many times with my first chassis. A bad brake switch could do this as well.
slo_slideways
02-13-2009, 02:19 AM
I just got through dealing with this problem. Same thing, tail lights and cluster not lighting up. I spent forever going through everything I could and then gave up and took it to my friends electrical shop.

My problem was a short near the pass. side sidemarker which was causing the fuse to blow when the lights came on.

Sounds like you got the same shizzle in your cereal...