Exterior and the lights for the gauges don't work?

MICHOACAN

MEMBER
2002 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT
V8
AWD
AUTOMATIC
116,110 MILES

Hi, I have a 02 escalade ext and the lights for the gauges don't work, I've already checked the fuses, and the message center screen doesn't work at all either, also the lights and the numbers on the stereo and the letters or numbers on the trip computer (the one that says driver 1, fuel economy... ) Doesn't work most of the time and never at night but they do work after I run the truck for a little bit on the day........ What I want to know is if I can fix this by replacing the whole gauges and can I fix the other problem with the trip computer and the radio, what should I check and how I really cant afford to take it to a dealer or a decent shop... Thanks

Monday, January 19th, 2009 AT 4:07 PM

7 Replies

ZACKMAN

MECHANIC
4,202 POSTS

I hope I can be of little help to you. I have looked at the intricate diagrams for the circuits you have mentioned (driver info center, instrument cluster, and radio). There is one relay that keeps popping up in all circuits. It is called "Body Relay Block" under left side dash near kick panel.

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Monday, January 19th, 2009 AT 11:43 PM

MICHOACAN

MEMBER
8 POSTS

Ok that kind of makes sense but which one is the left side is the drivers side or the passengers side? How does it look is it inside a box?

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Tuesday, January 20th, 2009 AT 6:10 PM

MICHOACAN

MEMBER
8 POSTS

Never mind I found it and is not the relay because I changed it and still doesnt work. (I noticed that with the key on the accesory position or all the way down it works the numbers on the radio and on the trip computer light up. When I turn the truck on and it turns the exterior lights on then the green numbers from the radio turn off as well as the green letters from the trip computer) what else could I check for to fix those lights and also for the gauges cluster if I buy a new one will that solve the problem with the lights and the message center? (The PRND123 and the mileage do work as well as all of the other gauges is just that they have no light)

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Tuesday, January 20th, 2009 AT 8:42 PM

ZACKMAN

MECHANIC
4,202 POSTS

(with the key on the accesory position or all the way down it works the numbers on the radio and on the trip computer light up. when i turn the truck on and it turns the exterior lights on then the green numbers from the radio turn off as well as the green letters from the trip computer)

***So, the lights do work, but turn off when the daytime running light or the headlight is on. Sounds about right? If it is, the problem lies in your dimmer switch. Try adjusting the switch. If turning the switch up and down does not work, you may need to replace the switch.***

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Wednesday, January 21st, 2009 AT 11:06 AM

MICHOACAN

MEMBER
8 POSTS

Sorry to bother you but is there any way I can test it before buying it (its about 90 bucks and its non returnable) so I just want to make sure

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-1

Thursday, January 22nd, 2009 AT 12:39 AM

KEITH ACORNLEY

MEMBER
1 POST

Hi, I have the same problem did you fix yours if so how?

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Thursday, December 8th, 2022 AT 3:10 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
54,137 POSTS

I have seen the park lamp relay go out causing this issue, here is the location of the relay so you can change it out and I have included the exterior lighting wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works. Also make sure to check the fuses. Check out the images (below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Images (Click to make bigger)