No running lights and dash lights?

[Ben Bill]

Hey everyone!

I've got a 2001 Taurus and my dad and I were messing around in the fuse box to try to fix the backlight of the Integrated Control Panel. That still doesn't work, and the fuses all looked fine. They didn't appear to be blown, but we may have bent some fuses when putting them back in. We simply looked at the fuses, we did not use an ohm meter.

Basically the most urgent problem is as follows: I have no lights in my dashboard (all gauges and meters are blacked out) and the rear running lights are out. The meters (RPM, MPH, Gas, etc) still work, there is just no light behind them. Brake lights work, turn signals work, but drivers that are behind me see absolutely nothing until I hit my brakes. What fuse(s) fixes this problem?

I've already consulted the attached PDF for details. However, I'm unable to figure out which one is the problem, and I'd rather not have to replace all of them when one will do.

Update: I swapped out fuses 23 and 27, but it still doesn't seem to work. A member suggested fuse 29. I'll try that when I get the chance. I'm at work right now so it'll have to wait until tonight.

If a fuse is not the issue, what could be? Behlinla suggested replacing the light switch: is it this, and are there any good instructions/ tutorials on how to install it?

http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/200...ht_switch.html

Are there any other parts that might be malfunctioning?

Also I thought it was worth noting that this car has 147,000 miles on it. Replacing parts is almost becoming a monthly bill

[behlinla]

You're interested in fuse #29 (15A) under the dash. If they still don't work then you might have to replace the light switch.

[Jeff K]

What exactly do you mean fuses "didnt appear to be blown"? Did you check them with an ohm meter or just look at them?

[Ben Bill]

What exactly do you mean fuses "didnt appear to be blown"? Did you check them with an ohm meter or just look at them?

I pulled them out and looked at them, the same way you'd check like this:

http://www.justanswer.com/uploads/tr...36_Graphic.gif

I did not use an ohm meter.

You're interested in fuse #29 (15A) under the dash.

Thanks for the recommendation! I'll give it a try. I went to the hardware store earlier and purchased some 10A fuses and swapped out 27, because it controlled the dashboard. I think it's also worth noting that the gauges (in the dashboard) still work but the lights behind them do not.

I'm curious: If it isn't a fuse, what else could it be? What parts should I look to replace?

[WJC]

You say the rear marker lights are out? But not the front?

[Ben Bill]

Originally Posted by behlinla

You're interested in fuse #29 (15A) under the dash. If they still don't work then you might have to replace the light switch.

I just finished putting the new fuse in, and sure enough, it solved the problem. Thanks for the tip!

[Breeves002]

Congrats on the fix!


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