help no dash lights or running lights

[customgst]

ok so heres the deal, this happened last night i went over so tracks and than my dash lights went out( gauges and hvac). i have read every thread and cant figure it out. there is no light for the dash, parking lights or plate light in the back. i have floor lights and head lights highs and low beams. break lights work but no running lights. i have checked the fuses and replaced them but when i turn them on i hear a beep like from my radio. its a sony (sucks i know). when i tried to replace them it pops right away.tried the relay and still does the same thing. im so lost and confused. i have been reading all day and cant figure it out. also when u turn the lights on with out the key there usually is a beep like when the doors open and thats gone.. im at a loss here.. please help

 

[1davho]

You have a shorted wire. There is still a chance it is your switch, but I would check all the wires first. My guess would be somewhere up by the headlights because the wires are more exposed to the elements there. Put an auto reset circuit breaker where the fuse goes and wiggle the wires until you either see a spark or it stops popping the breaker. You will find it, it can be a pain to find shorts sometimes.

 

[customgst]

um what the heck is an auto reset circuit breaker...im not new to cars by any means but thats new to me.. i did check the dimmer tried jumping it and it still pops and dont work.

 

[1davho]

It is just a fuse that resets itself, pretty much. You can get them at any auto parts store.

 

[Colt4G63 also]

Check behind the radio. The short may be there.

The factory radio would have had a wire for illumination, that is left unused on most aftermarket stereos. Someone probably left it hanging bare.