Dash Instrument Panel Lights are dead - gauges work fine

Replace the switch on the steering Colum it has gone bad not a big deal to change.

It appears to be that the radio clock display has malfunctioned, and is due for a replacement radio, which could be an aftermarket or oem radio, maybe found at a junk yard.

Tools required for oem replacement radio, torx keys set.

Before working on the radio or other electronics, disconnect the battery cables with 8mm wrench.

Replacing the oem radio is much easier, if you obtain oem radio, compared to aftermarket radio, due to being direct fit.

The radio is same for 1995 to 1999 Pontiac Sunfire and the Chevy Cavalier, regardless of sub models, such as SE,GT, VL,VLX,Z24. etc.

Parts needed for the the aftermarket radio install :Stereo assembly, stereo wiring harness adapter, radio antenna adapter, and dash install kit.wiring diagram for the wire colors / functions, along with tools, such as torx key set, screwdrivers,wire crimper, wire stripper, double ended wiring connectors, hair dryer.

The oem stereo removal video is for the 2000 to 2005 Sunfire / Cavalier, but are the same or very similar procedures.

Link to oem stereo removal procedures.
Pontiac Sunfire Radio Repair and Removal 2000 2005


Link to aftermarket stereo install / connect procedures. ( Sunfire Video )
HOW TO INSTALL AFTERMARKET STEREO PONTIAC SUNFIRE

Link to aftermarket stereo install / connect procedures. ( General Video )
How To Install Car Stereo Single Double DIN Car Audio 101


Have a nice day.

if you installed an aftermarket stereo, the tail lights run through the illumination. make sure all wires are hooked hot to hot and ground to ground. if you installed it while battery was hooked up and touched a wire, most likely blew a fuse

Hi 1987 Honda Civic lihgts on instrument panel. New Battery. and replaced blower unit but lights on panel not working. I am yet to install stereo unit which was taken out by previous owner - very roughly ! Wondering if not having stereo will effect instrument panel lights. Cheers Steve

Checked Every fuse in the fuse box (no small task).This includes #4 - Power point Instrument Panel, #14 - Day time running lamps (auto lamps doesn't work nor does auto lock), #27 - ignition switch run feed, #35 - Instrument Cluster, #41 - Instrument Cluster, #42 - Delayed Accessory, #45 - Ignition switch run/start feed, #102 - Door locks body security module, #103 - Ignition switch, #110 - Ignition switch, & #116 - Ignition switch. But I also check all other ones as well, they all register OK. AC panel & radio work. Turn signals work. Mileage does not work, trip computer does. So, basically, everything works except auto head-lights, auto locks, and the dash cluster (no MPH, RPM, mileage display, Fuel, Temp, Tran Temp, and Oil Pressure).

If you disconnect the stereo, does the temp. display go back to working properly? Did you connect the stereo Illumination wire correctly? Are all the other stereo wires connected correctly? Double check what the wires in the aftermarket harness are supposed to be and don't just go by color.

ck the engine to body ground.located back side of engine and srew to firewall.

i had some similar problems after i installed my aftermarket radio and i had to go back and rewire it and now the dash works fine. you might want to double check your wireing. i know wiring a stareo is simple but after rewiring i didnt have any more problems with dash lights

i bet it was an aftermarket radio and you cut the plug off, well the dash lights run through the radio so youll have to get a plug in adapter and put the old plug back on then wire the adapter plug it in and everything will work if you threw it away then you will have to get a wiring diagram and fix your wiring

Most factory stereos are wired to the dash dimmer switch. Usually if the dash lights go out after an after market stereo installation, it is because the wire that originally went to the factory stereo is not used for after market stereos. Double check the fuses and ensure the wire that controlled the lights on the factory stereo is not grounding out on something.