okay so i bought a used z and the light behind the gauges (the ones behind the steering wheel and the ones in the top middle of the dash) wont turn on. i tried the button on all the way on the left to increase the brightness but it didn't work. all the gauges work properly besides the lights ( i can see how fast im going but just not at night). the power outlets inside the cabin all work and previous owner stripped all his audio components out of the car. I would really appreciate it if you guys could help me

pics:
http://imgur.com/2Y9m9nc
http://imgur.com/EZRpKeF
http://imgur.com/YPac9o8
http://imgur.com/hvo9R8N

the warning lights work as displayed in the second picture but not the lights for the other stuff ie.fuel gauge

 

sounds like a blown fuse...check the fuse box drivers side by the clutch pedal or brake if it's automatic...had this same thing happen to me and just needed to replace a fuse

 

Check the wiring for the radio, it might have been all hacked up. I think actually either the window or wiper motor, one of the two can blow when tinkering with the radio, causing what you see...


Edit - heated mirror fuse, down in the box near your feet check that one out

 

Yep, this is why you disconnect your battery whenever you do electrical work on a car. Not saying it's your fault bro, but the previous owner clearly didn't know the basics if it was a DIY custom radio install.

 

Too bad but don't worry. Do all the steps suggested above and let us know. If it still doesn't work there will be other suggestions. Just post your progress.

 

You are?

I never unhook batteries when I'm doing electrical work.... If you know what you're doing you don't have problems.

Plus I hate resetting all my stuff in my radio after unhooking the battery.

 

IMO it's 2 different things.....Knowing what you're doing and accidentally slipping and touching the wrong bare wire to some random metal or another wire. Especially in a tight space with short wires like behind the radio where you can barely fit your fingers in there.

 

mirror fuse... driver side kick panel

 

Modern vehicles have highly sensitive electrical components. As JERZ350 said it really depends on "...knowing what you're doing...". If the components you're touching are simple plug and play OEM pieces like a power window motor plug for example, then sure unplugging the battery isn't really necessary. But as soon as you start cutting/splicing/tapping wires, then it's best to disconnect the battery or at least pull the fuse if you know exactly which circuit(s) you're working with. It's so easy to accidentally create a short somewhere when working with exposed wiring.

It's just one of those things where it's better to be safe than sorry. Btw, the "you are?" remark was a really uncalled for smart *** remark.

 

I cant thank you guys enough, i went and looked at the fuse box and the mirror fuse was missing and i read somewhere else that, the mirror fuse was for the lights. thank you; but what im wandering now is where do i get the fuse to replace it? thanks again.

 

your welcome... go to auto parts store.

 

could be a spare in that kick panel or in the ipdm behind battery

 

Had this exact same problem except every now and then, mine would turn on. Turned out to be a faulty relay. There's 2 relays in the kick panel. Try swapping them so you can either pinpoint the problem or eliminate this as the source.

 

Aaaaaand I was too lazy too read everyone elses posts so ignore my last one lol

Glad you figured it out.

 

I forgot the amperage of the fuse, if its 20 or 15, but i think they were "Mini" fuses. Just buy an assorted pack of them, good to have around.

 

Just throw a 30 in there