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Hey guys. Very TEDIOUS problem.
1998 Civic EX D16y8 5spd

i tried driving my car tonight but when i powered it up and turned on my lights, my gauge cluster works but will not light up!!! i checked the under dash instrument fuse, and its fine. Headlights, tailights, and blinkers ALL WORK. i checked the dimmer switch and it isn't getting power though. I don't know if its relevant but i installed a new xplod deck today, but all i did was replace two fuses, and soldered the harness. i didn't touch anything else.

maybe i shorted something???
Any pointers or inquisitions are helpfull, i'm already tired of driving a five speed with a flashlight in one hand lol.

 
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Well it's a new one on me too. My guess would be either a wire came loose or something got shorted. The best way to find out is to rip out the gauge cluster and inspect it to see if there is any obvious damage.

 
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i did that today. took apart everything. i have the haynes manual and it seems that everything that is not lighting up (gauge cluster, ac/heat console, dimmer switch) are all run along by a red/black wire. my SRS, brake lights etc. light up, but nothing will "illuminate" for night driving.

 
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.....wierd. And you didn't see any scorched marks or melting?

I've had clusters apart my share of times but I can't think of anything else that comes into play here but just because I don't have any experience with this problem.

Replacing the fuses shouldn't have done anything to it. I guess you could try checking the bulbs next. I seem to remember having some kind of issues with burnt bulb interfering with other bulbs but honestly I'm shooting in the dark at this point. Good luck....

 
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so i have tried all i can think of. but i am no master mechanic.

come on guys. i still have a gauge cluster and dash that doesn't illuminate.

i don't care if you know alot about cars or you're blowing smoke out your *** i need ideas!!!!

 
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Going through the same thing and I am a Master Tech. Lol I'll let you know when I get this one figured out.

 
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This happened to me once, it ended up being that if I wired my radio to the cable harness ground it turned out my dash lights, so I had to manually wire the ground to another location and not use the ground that comes on the radio harness. Hope this might help!

 
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OP: If you made any connections to the "dimmer" or "illumination" wires for the headunit installation... I would take them loose or check that they are correct. Also what fuses did you replace ??

The dimmer control units seem to be known for problems on this generation Civic.
It is my understanding there is a box behind the actual dimmer control that houses the dimmer electronics.