Hi All
New guy here. I introduced myself in the new member section. I just bought a 2001 Ram 1500. I have a small electrical problem - the dash/console lights do not work! I checked all the fuses - there were no blown ones. I even took the instrument panel off and the bulbs seemed fine. The ABS, seatbelt, etc lights come on when I start the truck but when its dark out - no instrument panel lights!! HELP!!
Jason

 

Could it be the headlight switch??

 

All right I thought it was the switch itself - no luck! Put it a new switch - same problem. Turn headlights on (and dome int light all way up) but still no dash illumination! Any ideas? My next guess would be the printed circuit board, however all of the diagnostic lights (check engine, brake, abs, etc...) come on when I start the truck. My other guess would be a wire loose somewhere. But I dunno? Ideas?

 

replace the fuse anyways.. could be blown just barely on the edge of it and you cant see it.. also check the fuses under the dash.. from looking at schematics.. check fuse number 5 .. thats for dome lights.. also .. orange wire coming out of fuse box goes to a joint connector for all of the interior cluster lights and dash lights.. make sure its not broke.. they also share a common ground.. ground # 206 .. not sure where its at.. but if you find one.. you got em all .. check ground.. (check the black on orange coming from the cig. ashtray and follow it.. it shows that to be where the common ground is going to be)

 

bad dash dimmer switch or grond. the switch is a potentiometer wich is a big word that means coil wire to limit resistance of voltage. when put in the dome light pos. it bypasses this coil and the inst. lights. thats why if you turn on your dome lights without door open your dash lights dont come on