[byelick]

Hi there. I recently acquired an 88 sentra wagon, manual, and the stereo that was removed (before I came into the picture) was either badly installed or badly removed. Or both. Anyway, all the electrical stuff works, EXCEPT for the panel/dash illumination. The warning lights work, it's just the illumination.

Now here's my dilemma... I have no interest in putting a stereo in it, I just want to see the cluster at night. There is a bundle of wires sticking out of the dash, and I found the wire that (please excuse my lack of technical vocabulary) is hot when the ignition is on/acc, and I found a wire that lights up the panel (which does work), but when I put the two together the headlamps have to be completely OFF for the dash lights to work. When I put the lights on the dash/console lights go off.

Now it seems to me there must be a simple way to fix this, and I'm completely ignorant on the subject. Which I am. Completely ignorant on the subject. Any help would be appreciated, I can always drive around in utter blackness, but honestly it makes me feels as if I'm in the midst of some sort of existential crisis as I am an obsessive gauge checker.

Many thanks for reading this, and even more thanks for responding.

Ira.

 

[bob89sentra]

First unhook the wire you spliced. Check to see if the dash dimmer is plugged in, and if it is set all the way to bright. Also check fuses, if you still have no dash lights then you have a problem with wiring or the headlight switch. I would not suggest bypassing the original system or you risk electrical shorts, and possible damage to the electrical system.

 

[byelick]

thank you much, I will check the dimmer switch. If there is a wiring prob, how difficult would it be to rewire just the dash illumination? without ruining everything else?

Oh, all the fuses are fine, by the way.

thanks again,
Ira.