Lost dashlights and AdvanceTrak control

[JackRabbitStorm]

2001 Lincoln LS

I ran some RCA Cables from my head unit the other day. I also pulled out wiring and an module the previous owner had hooked up for their head unit, no other wires were connected to it, module said Alpine on it. Did not mess with any other wiring.

Since then, the dash lights do not work, but the message center lights work, the CEL/ABS lights work. The light for the gear shift do not work, nor do the AC lights, but all HVAC controls do still work. My AdvanceTrak control button does not light up, nor does it allow me to to switch the Traction Control on or off.

All fuses in the passenger cabin compartment are okay, and none of the other fuses seem like they would control these lights, but those are a lot harder to get to to check them.

Checked dimmer switch, its not that.

Headlights, turning lamps, fogs, heat all works, just the dashlights and the traction control don't. Map lights and all that work as well.

What should I be checking next? I am at a loss

 

[JackRabbitStorm]

Update, found out that the clip into the Advancetrack button had come out, got that in and the AdvanceTrak now works, but still no dash lights. Speedo works and everything, just not the backlighting, and the fuses are good.

 

[joegr]

Do the backlights on the message center buttons work?
Does you ash tray light up?
Do the steering wheel buttons light up?
How about the lock, window, and mirror buttons (on the door)?

If none of those light, then you have blown a fuse or the dash light dimmer circuit.

How are you checking the fuses?

 

[JackRabbitStorm]

Those are all out. I was visually checking the fuses, and they all looked good. Going to go through them again, and probably just replace all the fuses related to the dashlights. I don't have my manual on me, but I think it was fuse 33? 3rd in from the right, bottom row.

 

[joegr]

Those are all out. I was visually checking the fuses, and they all looked good. Going to go through them again, and probably just replace all the fuses related to the dashlights. I don't have my manual on me, but I think it was fuse 33? 3rd in from the right, bottom row.

You can't always tell by sight if a fuse is blown. The best way is to check with a meter. If you don't have one, then substitute with some new fuses.

 

[JackRabbitStorm]

You can't always tell by sight if a fuse is blown. The best way is to check with a meter. If you don't have one, then substitute with some new fuses.

Sounds good, I lost my meter years ago and never got around to buying a new one. Thanks!

 

[cirelle]

I'ts always best to disconnect the battery when doing major electrical mods, such as changing the dash electronics, adding an amp, etc...

One little spark can cause one big headache.

 

[JackRabbitStorm]

Found the issue. When I pulled out the Alpine module cord, it was wrapped around the AdvanceTrak cords and pulled that clip out and knocked out a clip by the gear shift so that knocked out the lights.

 

[LS_Owner]

My gear shift lights have been out for a while. Could this be as simple as a blown fuse or more complicated than that? Is there a fuse for those lights??

 

[joegr]

My gear shift lights have been out for a while. Could this be as simple as a blown fuse or more complicated than that? Is there a fuse for those lights??

There is not a fuse just for those lights. The bulbs and/or bulb holders are probably bad.