OT: 2002 Pontiac Montana dash lights

Casey in Ky · Mar 2, 2012

Buddy of mine has a 2002 Montana that the door lights(what illuminates all the power buttons and so forth), and the dash lights quite working the other day. He says the check engine and abs lights and so forth still work, and so does the odometer, so I take it that it's just the dash and door lights that illuminate everything. He's checked all the fuses and says that's not the problem. Any other suggestions? Thanks

Chris(WA) · Mar 2, 2012

Somebody didn't just turn down the light dimmer did they?

Nate V. IA · Mar 2, 2012

Not to sound stupid but does he have some kids in there messing with everything? You can turn off all the interior dome lights with the button by the mirror. Dash illumination can be turned off with a roller switch by the running light switch. On a side note the older vehicles I have had in the past would not have dash lights if the rear brake/running lights were not working.

Casey in Ky · Mar 2, 2012

Nope. He said it they started coming and going and finally just went.

Chip812 · Mar 2, 2012

Just like anything else... Check the easy stuff first (I have to keep reminding myself of this every time I start to diagnose something)... Fuses, switches, etc...
8)

barnE · Mar 2, 2012

In the old days, tie wire from headlights under hood to instrument light wiring. NOT ANY MORE. Depending on value of car. Dave

Revredneck · Mar 3, 2012

Sounds like the dimmer is either turned down or has failed. Simplest thing is to remove headlamp switch assembly and test for voltage in and out of the dimmer.
Good Luck and God Bless

JML755 · Mar 3, 2012

Modern day vehicles are not easy to troubleshoot w/o a Service manual (hint: they can be found online, with some digging). I just looked at the '02 Montana wiring schematics(see below) and there are a few fuses involved also. If he looks at the schematic and id's what's working and what's not, it should point to a spot in the circuit that is a likely problem spot.

I have had numerous problems with GM wiring harnesses. On my '01 Pontiac, I have had wires broken inside connectors, poor crimps, nicked wires touching the body or other wires. (So much for quality). The symptoms ranged from headlights going off suddenly at night, not being able to get the key out of the ignition, flashing taillights, ABS intermittently working,etc, etc. All fixed by finding/repairing a wiring harness problem.

I am currently trying to find a problem in my '02 Silverado electrical system that keeps it from starting in wet conditions. (I suspect the PCM wiring harness).

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OT: 2002 Pontiac Montana dash lights

Casey in Ky

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Chris(WA)

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Nate V. IA

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Casey in Ky

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Chip812

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barnE

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Revredneck

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JML755

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