The Homelink buttons and the reading lights in the rearview mirrors just quit on my 98 Avenger ES. I can't find any bad fuses, and they are not even mentionend in my Haynes manual (or its wiring diagrams). Anyone know what circuit these run off of ???

I did just install a new radio - could I have knocked something loose in the wiring behind the dash??

No big loss, but REALLY annoying that I can't figure it out !!

 

My guess is you wired the wrong illumination wire. I believe there are two, one variable and the other does nothing but turns the headunit light on low if it has dimmer function.

 

I never cut into the harness on the radio install. Just used metra adapters to adapt factory wiring to new head unit.
don't see how this would affect the circuit to the buttons in the sun visor, or the lights in the mirror??

I could try removing the new head unit, hook up the old and see if power comes back. Some day maybe when I have "nothing" to do.

 

If I remember correctly there are two illumination wires one is yellow and the other is amber (this is from wire harness kit). If you connect the illumin wire that is connect to the rheostat circuit (the dimmer switch on the middle/left handside of the dash) it may burn out the rheostat switch and or fuse(s). That's why I say it to be the illum wire...since you did mention having just connecting an aftermarket radio.
You don't have to reconnect the factory radio, it has nothing to do with either headunits, just the wiring behind it. Just check to make sure that the correct illum wire is connected.
You didn't knock any wires down there loose, but I would also say for you to check your fuses since you didn't mention that you did that.
Good luck