1991 Previa Instrument Gauge lights gone

One Check to see if the tail lamps are working or not. The tail lamps and the instrument panel lights share the same fuse. If the tail lamps are not on, then you haven't found the correct fuse yet.

Two There is a knob that adjusts the brighness of the instrument panel lamps. Have you checked the knob to see if it is adjusted to the correct position -- basically any position that is not Full Off.

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for the quick reply.

The tail lights are fully functional. That was actually the first thing I checked. And the dimmer dial is set to maximum brightness. I am totally confused.

This problem really has me scratching my head.

-Matty

Jeff Strickland wrote:

My vote is that the dimmer has failed.

The A/C climate control lights still work and the dimmer can still control those. Does that still mean that the dimmer control needs to be replaced?

Thanks, Matty

Jeff Strickland wrote:

That would have been good to tell us earlier. ;-)

So, SOME of the instrument panel lights come on and can be controlled by the dimmer?

I know the OP has a '91, but maybe this can help. My '92 Toyota shop manual says: Problem: Instrument lights do not light up (taillight light up) Possible cause: Wiring or ground faulty Remedy: Repair as necessary

Sorry Jeff, I should have been more specific.

As of now, ONLY the speedo cluster lights are not working. The A/C climate control lights are working just fine and are still adjustable with the dimmer dial. Tail lights are working fine.

Here are some recent mods I have done with the previa:

1) Installed an aftermarket stereo/dvd and satellite radio receiver about a week and a half ago (Which is working just fine)

2) Replaced 4 speedo 194-gauge bulbs with 194-gauge LEDs about 3 weeks ago.

Everything was working like a charm up until 2 nights ago.

-Matty

Jeff Strickland wrote:

Heres another trouble shooting tip I found in another section. (I tried sending a jpeg of the page but it wouldn't go through.)

Problem: Meter illumination lights do not light up Possible cause: (1) Bulb burned out, (2) Light control rheostat faulty, (3) Wiring or ground faulty Remedy: (1) Replace bulbs, (2) Check rheostat, (3) Repair as necessary

Hmmmm Considering the dimmer is still functional for the A/C climate control, that only leads me to believe that there is a grounding issue. Thanks for all the help guys. I appreciate it.

BTW... have you ever seen a convertable Previa? I've seen two custom ones from Japan. Coolest thing I have ever seen. One was more luxury style, and the other was more racing style with six racing seats!

-Matty

: P wrote:

I'd be looking to the mods as the source of the problems. Since the stuff you DID NOT modify is still working properly, my guess is that the stuff you did modify has failed.

Or he disturbed some old wiring/connector that was ready to snap.

Disconnect the plugs &c in that region, clean carefully and check wire continuities (or test for volts at connectors if they should be there), then reconnect. If still bust... it was worth trying.

No, that means the dimmer is good.

See my first post.

The most likely cause is that all of the bulbs are burnt out. Check the bulbs, and if they are good, check for a bad ground or damaged wiring.

OK, you probably disturbed the ground wires. Check to make sure the LED's are working. I'd bet they failed.