The lights on my dashboard aren't working , how do I find the fuse for the dashboard lights?

When the dashboard lights in your vehicle malfunction or cease to operate, the resulting effects can range from being a mere annoyance to posing a safety hazard. Locating the problem and finding a remedy is essential. To fix dashboard lights that won't light, follow these suggestions

Evaluate the problem methodically. Begin the process by trying the simplest of solutions first. Most vehicles have a dashboard lights control switch that will dim the dashboard lights, as well as turn them off. Check the control switch, which should be located on the console near the steering column, make sure its in the correct position to have the lights on.

Check the dashboard light fuse. A blown fuse can disable the vehicle's dashboard light. The fuse box may be under the hood, or on the floor, near the brake pedal, or there may be 2 fuse boxes in both places. Refer to the diagram on the fuse box cover to locate the correct fuse. Replace the dashboard light fuse if necessary.

If all of the above don't fix it, then replace your light switch.

There is a fuse for the high beams located either under the hood or on the drivers side dashboard side panel closest to the door.

You don't indicate what kind of vehicle you have but my guess is you have a cross feed between the dash light circuit and the ignition circuit. You'll probably have to isolate these two circuits (not an easy task).

If you don't find it under the hood ( with a black cover over it) it might be under the dash by the steering column.

i know this sounds crazy, but do you have break/tail lights?some cars shut off dash lites when tail/brake lights dont work

You aren't alone with your lights problem . Mu '59 Picanto did exactly the same thing last night. No dashboard, heater, or air vent illumination and worse still no rear lights (note brake lights do work). Got home switched off everything, then switched back on and all working. Very strange.

Did you check your fuses.

You may want to check to see if you have a "gauges" fuse on the fuse panel. Another possibility is the cigarette lighter fuse. Sometimes they're wired on the same circuit.

Hope this helps! :)

Locate the knob or dial that controls the brightness of the dashboard lights. If the control is not immediately evident, check your owner's manual.

2 Make sure the brightness control is turned on. If it is and the lights aren't working, the problem may be a bad fuse.

3 Check the fuse that controls the dashboard lights (see How to Fix a Faulty Car Fuse). Replace the fuse if necessary.
Find the fuse box (see A). It is usually located under the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel, at about knee level. Many cars have additional fuse boxes in the engine compartment. Check your owner's manual or call the dealer for the exact location(s)

Open the fuse box cover and locate the blown fuse. There are two ways to find the bad fuse: Look for a fuse with a melted center strip (see B, which shows two types of broken fuses). Or, if you know which device isn't working--for example, the radio--look for the fuse that handles that device. The fuse panel may have labels for each device, or the information may be in your owner's manual.

3 Remove the bad fuse with a fuse puller (a small pair of plastic tweezers that should come with the fuse box). Or use a pair of needle-nose pliers.

4 Check the number on the bottom or side of the bad fuse. This indicates the amperage.

5 Buy a new fuse with the same amperage and push it into the slot in the fuse box with your fingers.

the flasher doesn't have a fuse, its a flasher unit, a relay in a little box or can , located usually behind the fuse panel on the drivers side kick panel,, up by the dash , if your break lights aren't working, first check the bulbs, if they check ok, check the switch at the top of the brake pedal arm up under the dashboard,,