1990 Q45 Electrical Problem (dash and tail lights)

[perulades]

I can't seem to get my dash and tail lights up and running. I've replaced bulbs and fuses. Any ideas? Computer?

[maxnix]

With OEM bulbs? Check sockets and wiring?

[perulades]

i picked up the bulbs from autozon. the sockets look fine (not damaged/dirty). they are not getting electricity (no test light). i replaced the in-cabin fuses. are there under hood fuses that could also be causing problems? wiring also looks fine.

[elwesso]

are you sure the fuse is OK? Did you check it for continuity...?

[perulades]

i replaced all the fuses.

[elwesso]

So let me ask, is your dash working, just not the illumination (IE the lights that light up the gauges and climate controller/stereo)... and by tail lights, you mean the dim lights were the brake lights are (when you turn on the headlights they come on and get brighter when you press the brake)...

[perulades]

The dash is working (gauges are fine). Dash lights for high beam and turn signals also work. The illuminarion lights do not work.

Yes, that's what I mean by tail lights. Brake lights are also working.

[elwesso]

do the headlights come on?

[perulades]

yes, headlights work.

[elwesso]

Since I know your watching this, do the PARKING lights come on when you turn it to the first notch?

[elwesso]

just so you know, i AM going somewhere with all of this, and once I get my wiring diagram (tomorrow hopefully), ill know a lot more...

[perulades]

thanks!

only side markers in front come on with parking lights.

[goody90q45]

i replaced the in-cabin fuses. are there under hood fuses that could also be causing problems? wiring also looks fine.

Are your headlights stuck on high beam?

There is an illumination fuse in the engine compartment fuse box. I think it's the 3rd or 4th from the firewall in the middle row of fuses. Don't trust your eyes, check it for continuity with a voltmeter.

Good luck.

[perulades]

no, not stuck in high beam.

[goody90q45]

How's the fuse?

[perulades]

I didn't see an "Illumination Fuse" under the hood.

Under the hoodTail Lamp-Fuse is ok and test light 'lights'

Under the dashBack Lamp fuse is ok, but test with test light is negative

[qsiguy]

Has any work been done recently to the vehicle? Aftermarket alarm or stereo work? Anything else been worked on? Messed with any wires or panels in the trunk or under the dash?

What do you mean by "Illuminarion Lights"? The backlighting on the buttons, switches, and radio?

[elwesso]

Has any work been done recently to the vehicle? Aftermarket alarm or stereo work? Anything else been worked on? Messed with any wires or panels in the trunk or under the dash?

What do you mean by "Illuminarion Lights"? The backlighting on the buttons, switches, and radio?

I think he means the backlighting, thats pretty much what he said..

I talked to another Q guy, and he said that this problem was caused when his tail lamp sockets were shorting.

[perulades]

Yes, the backlighting. No aftermarket alarm or stereo either.

[maxnix]

I talked to another Q guy, and he said that this problem was caused when his tail lamp sockets were shorting.

Back to the second post, please. No Chinese Autozone bulbs are allowed!

[bullittandy]

i picked up the bulbs from autozon. the sockets look fine (not damaged/dirty). they are not getting electricity (no test light). i replaced the in-cabin fuses. are there under hood fuses that could also be causing problems? wiring also looks fine.

Check for power at the fuse (both sides) Bad bulbs and bad fuses account for alot of wiring problems especially on a car that has not been wrecked or is rusty. Even new bulbs and fuses are suspect.

Wiring is tricky I use to own a 66 Lincoln Continental that had a fuse block that looked like it had been stored in saltwater it was so rusty. I thought it would be a good idea to replace all the fuses and clean all the contacts-guess what? I created all kinds of electrical complications.

BTW if you think the Q is a complicated car you should see a 60's Lincoln, the vacuum hose diagram for the trunk release will make you queasy.

[elwesso]

Back to the second post, please. No Chinese Autozone bulbs are allowed!

I totally agree brian, however im not sure it would explain EVERY light not coming on.... Maybe it would, but i kinda doubt it.

[perulades]

I guess I will replace all fuses and bulbs once more.

[bullittandy]

Use a test light to determine if electricty is coming from the battery to fuse block and then from fuse block to lights to confirm.

It's a slippery slope of replacing parts if you can't confirm that new parts are good, so narrow down the problem.