Electrical issues

[JasonSimon]

My lx night time running lights do not work when headlights are turned on. Meaning the dash lights and exterior lights will not turn on. But when the brake pedal is pressed the brake lights work. So the car cannot be driven at night. All switches have been replaced: dimmer, headlight, turn signal. The fuse bock has been replaced. So I took the car to a mechanic. Now when the headlight switch is on the wiring behind the dash smokes and the fuse pops. Tired of throwing parts at this car. Been in the shop for a year. I have a full time job, that’s why it’s in the shop. Did have the engine rebuilt with all the required goodies, suspension replaced, ac replaced, new wheels, etc. Anyways’ what is the best way to fix this electrical problem with the dash lights/running/night time lights? Some recommendations have been suggested to replace the dash harness, or patch the harness. Please help. Very frustrated.

 

[Ponyprez]

Wiring is always a bear to troubleshoot so start with the basics. What you are describing sounds like you have a shorted or burnt wire and one of the most common places is the headlight switch and the wiring connecter to the switch. Remove the switch and look for signs of burning/melting and look at the spade connectors in the connecter housing. This is a known issue and was more prevalent in GT models with fog lights. Carefully remove steering column surround and look for the same issues there. If you have seen visible smoke, check in that area for melted wires, look at the wiring going to your head and taillights for signs of discoloration and corrosion as well as poor grounding wires. If you are not able to find any issues it is a good idea to locate a shop that specializes in wiring repairs and take it to them, they won't be cheap, but a good shop can usually locate and repair the issue much faster than a general mechanic.

 

[JasonSimon]

Thank you for your time. I appreciate it.