License Plate and light for L/S of MPH gauge out

[mc_holla]

A few days ago I noticed that the lights over the license plate on my 98 RS dont work at all. I tested the bulbs and know it is the light itself. Then last night while driving, I noticed that the left side of the MPH gauge (factory) and needle had gone out. Will have to check asap to atleast get the license plate one fixed to try and avoid a ticket. Any help in doing this would be appreciated.

I checked fuses a few days ago and all seemed fine. Am I missing any fuses and I really dont think it is a fuse for the gauge because of it just being onr bulb.

Possible causes by me:
*Month ago I installed a new CD player
*10 days ago I reconnected my foglights after a repairing a wire that was cooked because of a loose connection and replaced its bulbs.
*10 days ago I also removed the rear wing and its wiring.

Could these have anything to do with this and where should I start.

Mc

 

[Locke]

it is probably just old age (remember your 98 was probably assembled in 97, making it almost 10 years old) of the bulb (or old age combined with possible spikes in power caused by recent electrical work)

If your concerned about power issues, while changing the bulbs, you can make sure they are getting good voltage. (less volts=more amps=more heat=burned bulb) especially while flipping on and off lights, radio, etc..

 

[4UH8ERS]

A
Possible causes by me:
*Month ago I installed a new CD player
*10 days ago I reconnected my foglights after a repairing a wire that was cooked because of a loose connection and replaced its bulbs.
*10 days ago I also removed the rear wing and its wiring.

Could these have anything to do with this and where should I start.
Mc

did you check both fuse boxes under the dash and under the hood? the reason i ask is because when installing a stereo if your not using quick connectors all it takes is 1 wire hitting metal and grounding out to blow a fuse. also i noticed your statement about the fog light issue and the cooked wire. did the wire ground out and fry itself? or did you have too large of a fuse in there and it burn up? what exactly happened there. Because that most likely would have blown a fuse for sure. although if your fog lights are working now then that fuse is obviously not the culprit. personally i would just whip out a multimeter to see if current is even making it to the sockets themselves.

 

[Locke]

you can only test for current while there is a load applied (bulbs installed) and the meter much be in series to the load. (unless your checking an AC, which isnt the case here)

 

[4UH8ERS]

can you not just leave the bulb in and check from the wire itself?

either way bulbs are cheap just put in some new ones and youll know if there burnt up.

and locke i wasn't aware of that thank you.

 

[mc_holla]

I think at least for the gauge issue, it may just be the bulb as it is only a portion of the panel. But for the license plate light it can be a number of things.

Also, do you think me disconnecting the wing/third brake light has anything to do with that issue. I still haven't reconnected ti due to it being in paint shop.

Last does anyone have a diagrams/layouts that can make this venture a little easier for me.

Thanks