how would you test a dimmer switch when the dash lights are not functioning?

 

you have checked the under hood fuse box

I think it is labeled "small lights" IIRC

 

yes its fine
no blown fuse in the under hood...even when i turn on the headkights..no side markers lights...no backlights..but there is brake lights when i step on the brakes for stoping. and no dash lights , no sound warning chimes when the lights is on..
No fuse is blown

 

Well you can try to find the problem and fix it or you can run 2 new wires and have everything working again.
Let me know if you want me to write up some instructions.
The other guys on this board, who know more about these cars than I do, will try to help you figure out what is wrong and causing the lights to not work but to my knowledge not one person has ever figured it out.

And please do not drive the car after dark with no taillights, it is very very dangerous.

 

i want to figure it out..but will take your layout of the two new wires.

 

i am not using the accord in the night untl i figure this out.

 

Going on memory, lord help us all......please chime in if I'm wrong.

Should be three wires to the dimmer. Red, Red-something stripe and Black. Black is ground, test and be sure you have it under all conditions.

The Red-"something" should have 12 v to a ground when the "lights" are turned on.

If you ground the Red wire, while the lights are on, the dash lights should go "full bright".

 

Poorman - remember the OP does not have power going to the taillights and front corner lights, as well as the dash. The same problem I had when I bought my car.

I am pretty sure that he will not have power at the dimmer switch.
Even if the dimmer switch was removed it would not have any effect on the taillights, to my understanding that is.

 

Agreed Crispin but we also have to assume there could be two issues. Were your dash lights out as well?

No dash lights at night. Test the inputs to the dash dimmer which will tell us a few things. If there is no power to the Red/Blk at the dimmer when the lights are on....hummm. Again the wiring on the 4th vs the 5th gens is a tad bit different.

 

My problem was no front corner, tail, or dash lights including a/c & gear selector.