No Dash Lights

jay01m · Feb 9, 2007

I have a 1997 GTS I just took delivery on the other day, and I already have an issue. The dash lights will not come on. This includes the gauges and climate control. I've checked every single fuse, both under the hood and in the car, and nothing is blown. I've checked the dimmer as well, and no joy.

Is there a relay or something I need to check? Could the dimmer switch be messed up? Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!
Jason
Chesapeake, VA

C O D Y · Feb 9, 2007

Welcome to the site! Wish I had an answer for you, but I don't. You're in the right spot for help. There are some of the best viper techs in the nation on here.

phantred · Feb 9, 2007

Not sure if this matters, but you could check the dimmer switch connection, make sure it's nice and tight. Also, even if the fuse is not blown, switch it out(new, or with another fuse that is rated the same).

BJ MOTORS · Feb 9, 2007

Jason our shop is open in Crozier, Va 23039 if you won't to bring the car up and take a nice drive we will be happy to look at it and help trouble shoot it.

paul fettig · Feb 9, 2007

Had the same problem recently on my 94 and it turned out to be the headlight switch just as Chuck Tator had stated.The headlights came on but no dash lights. The switch although one piece is divided into two or more components one which controls the dash lights. :2tu:

Randy · Feb 9, 2007

One of the components that are known to fail quickly on the Gen I was the light switch (I had smoke curling from the switch in my old Gen I while sitting at a stop light, and it melted the harness connector, which is a real pain to replace). But I've not heard of it being a common failure on Gen II cars, and the Gen II light switch is a very different animal than the Gen I light switch (Gen I is push/pull, Gen II is rotary).

Randy

GTSJERRY · Feb 9, 2007

There is a chrysler service bulliten on the dimmer switch for dash lights flickering at times, doesn't say anything about not working at all but could be related. The fix for the flickering is a new dimmer switch.

Gottaviper · Feb 10, 2007

check to see if you have running lights working or not, the running light fuse will shut your dash lights off as well.

BLUESNAKE367 · Feb 10, 2007

Jason, good to meet you today. of course love your Viper, awesome buy. be sure to submit your Vin# so atleast your avatar will list Viper owner until you decide to join the VCA...

I have been thinking of your dash light problem since I saw your car, I noticed you had an after market stereo installed, maybe you can ask the previous owner if the problem occured after having the new stereo head installed? just a thought...

BTW Iam going to side exhaust this spring and can make you a deal on my Corsa system...but you would still need the Roe high flow cats if you really want to wake that snake up...

Rick

jay01m · Feb 22, 2007

Well phantred wins! After almost 2-hours worth of work getting the dash out enough to swap out the light switch, I go to unplug the dimmer switch and low and behold, its already unplugged!!! I plug it back in and let there be lights! Thanks to everyone for all the input and help. I've learned quite a bit between reading on here thus far and taking apart my interior

I appreciate the help. Now I need to call and yell at the dealer, who claimed the car was inspected prior to sale with no issues. Jackasses!

Rick - Hey man! Sorry for not getting back on here sooner, been busy. I did submit my VIN# to a guy names Lee, so I should become an owner soon.

As for your Corsas, I could be persuaded to buy them off you for the right price. I was actually thinking about side exhausts myself though LOL, these 8.0L motors need to breathe you know. We'll talk later about that, got to get her tuned up first.

Jason
97 Blue/white Viper GTS
91 Yellow Corvette ZR-1

ViperJames · Feb 23, 2007

One of the components that are known to fail quickly on the Gen I was the light switch (I had smoke curling from the switch in my old Gen I while sitting at a stop light, and it melted the harness connector, which is a real pain to replace). But I've not heard of it being a common failure on Gen II cars, and the Gen II light switch is a very different animal than the Gen I light switch (Gen I is push/pull, Gen II is rotary).

Randy

Same exact situation here....sounds like that is your problem..Good luck.. :headbang:

No Dash Lights

jay01m

Viper Owner

C O D Y

Enthusiast

phantred

Enthusiast

BJ MOTORS

Enthusiast

paul fettig

Enthusiast

Randy

Viper Owner

GTSJERRY

Enthusiast

Gottaviper

Enthusiast

BLUESNAKE367

Enthusiast

jay01m

Viper Owner

ViperJames

Enthusiast

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