Expert: Peter G. Lee - 11/1/2006

Question
I just installed an aftermarket cd player in my gf's 90 ciera after finishing i noticed the gauge and tail lights dont work...     it has the standard late model gm wiring...       
  http://www.installdr.com/InstallDocs/GM/PDF/460009.pdf  where im confused is the dimmer wire(k) and the tail light wire(n)-(which install site says not used) go?  power touched 2 either of them will turn on ether the dash lights or tail lights but no matter if the headlight switch is on or off.      How do i get the tail lights and dash lights 2 come on with the headlight switch.

Answer
Hi Andrew,
Illumination wire on a radio should be a panel dimmer, if not connected radio panel light stays as bright at night as in day, = glare, connected the fascia dims when the side lights are on so any light such as cig lighter, dash lights etc will do as a source.
As the tail lights and panel lights work when you apply 12v to them the problem must lie in the source, i.e. fuse box. There are 6 light fuses, at least, in box, main l, main R, dip l, dip r, side l and side r.
The dash and panel usually come from side l or r not head.