1999 Chevy Silverado Instrument panel lights are out. Truck

Tiny
RICK1971
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 16,000 MILES
Hi, I hope someone can help with this. I've had to reset the computer by taking out the ecm fuse and putting it back in several times over the last couple of weeks for my truck to start. Now that won't work anymore and my instrument panel lights aren't on and fuel pump isnt humming.
I've checked all fuses and relays and they all seem to be fine with the exception of the relays down by the steering column. Not sure what these are for but one of the small ones look like it may be bad.
Is it possible that the lead wire from the battery to the fuse box might be to corroded? I've had to change the wire from the battery to the starter because of this. The wire looks ok to me but cant see inside the shield to make sure.
Tuesday, February 10th, 2009 AT 3:07 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
When it wont start or the lights arent working, use a test light to see if you have power to the interior light fuse in the fuse panel, if not it may be an ignition switch problem
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Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 AT 1:33 PM
Tiny
RICK1971
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  • 4 POSTS
Hi Jack, thanks for getting back to me. I believe its the ignition switch. Is there any tips I can get from you or a site that can show me the easiest way to change the switch? I've heard its not an easy thing to do.
Thanks
Rick
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Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 AT 1:53 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
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Is this an old or new body style? 99 was the transiition year
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Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 AT 3:50 PM
Tiny
RICK1971
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Old body style
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Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 AT 6:20 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
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Then the ignition switch is mounted on top of the column, about 3/4 of the way down to the firewall. You have to remove the hi-beam switch to unbolt it. The best way is to remove the panel under the dash. Once the panel is off, you will see a cable attached to the column, it is for the shift indicator. Unhook it. There are 2 15 mm nuts holding the column mounting plate to the dash support. When you remove them the column will lower down to make access easier. The switch is driven by a rod you will be able to see peeking up from the column when the old switch is removed.
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Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 AT 8:07 PM
Tiny
RICK1971
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hi thanks for the tips. I cant get the top trim off without removing the key tumbler to get to the screw for the ignition switch. How do you remove the tumbler? Ive been looking for a set pin but no luck
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Thursday, February 12th, 2009 AT 2:21 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
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If this is an old body style (87-99) then the igniton switch (electric part) is where I described, nothing is up there but the key tumbler
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Thursday, February 12th, 2009 AT 2:39 PM
Tiny
RICK1971
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Got it fixed. It was the ignition switch. Thanks again for your time
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Thursday, February 12th, 2009 AT 6:51 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
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My pleasure.
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Thursday, February 12th, 2009 AT 8:49 PM

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