instrument lights not working on 89 syncro

[4mymalamute]

Need some help here....I have a 1989 Syncro and today I got in a hurry and did not disconnect the battery while I was hooking up a dash 12v plug where the lighter would go. So, blew a fuse, not biggie, put new one in and overhead lights in cab worked etc. Strange thing now is that my dash lights (brand new led lights two weeks ago that worked perfectly) are not working. I checked the light switch to see if anything was loose, etc but seems good. The one thing I did was jus tap into the wires that would normally be on the lighter....left the actual plug/harness in place (just disconnected the actual lighter and pulled it out)....and now no lights. Any suggestions? Sorry for the long rant and question but I am now shaking my head going hmmmmm what did I do!!!! Cheers!

Oh yes, I did run a new antenna and wire so took the speedo out etc but maybe knocked something off?

[4mymalamute]

Anyone? This has me stumped and not sure where to even start looking.

[sjbartnik]

Probably smoked the electronics in the LEDs with that power surge.

Put regular bulbs back in, see if it works.
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1965 Volkswagen 1500 Variant S
2000 Kawasaki W650

[4mymalamute]

[4mymalamute]

Finally found my original lights...tried them out and no luck. ZERO lights on dash. Clock works, interior lights work, license plate lights work, etc but no dash lights. I took apart the dash, looked over all the connections and only think I found was my cruise control wires came unplugged (woo hoo hopefully that works now!). Any suggestions?
Like I mentioned, I took out original lighter (literally just took it out of dash and unplugged it then tapped a lead and ground off of the pigtail to run my 12v plug in place of lighter..which works perfectly).

[Robw_z]

Did you check the "secret fuse" above the fuse box? It is not in the normal fuse locations, it is on top of the fuse box. I believe it proved to be the problem with my instrument lights.

-Rob

[dlb154]

I had the same issue and the "secret fuse" cured it!

[4mymalamute]

[DanHoug]

so... just a word on LED dash lights. for me, the major reason to go LED is for energy savings. makes sense with always on lights light tail and parking lights or interior lights to save battery. but LED dash bulbs just don't do anything for me. the energy consumption of incandescent dash bulbs is minimal, they have insane longevity, and if an LED shorts out, it can take out a very expensive circuit foil.

LEDs either go open or short dead when they fail. an incandescent always goes open. and besides, i like the light quality of an incandescent, especially with a red rubber filter stretched over the bulb like a condom.
_________________
-dan
60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.

'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd

Past projects can be found at--
www.thefixitworkshop.com

[4mymalamute]

Well, it was working great today when I "fixed" the hidden fuse. BUT tonight, I went out to admire the lights in the dark and as soon as I clicked on the light switch....I heard the fuse burn out....no dash lights. Hmmmm, so a short I take it? I am at a loss now....maybe I just disconnect the 12v power port and start from scratch again?

[dlb154]

Best to trace down that short before refusing. I would not recommend a higher amp fuse like you said you already tried. If 10 amp is what was in there, stay with 10 amp but find that short for sure first.

[4mymalamute]

Figured it out....I took out the 12 volt plug that was pigtailed into the lighter wiring. I replaced the fuse with the stock 10amp and then ran the 12 volt wires directly to the fuse box. All seems swell....LED lights (I actually fabricated two of them with some parts laying around due to frying them). I THINK the problem is solved. Onto the next issue
Thanks for everyones suggestions and insight.