I need some help on my 96 Accord LX. The gauges, dash lights, power windows, shifter lock, radio and clock suddenly didn't work. I checked the radio fuse, and it was blown. I replaced it and it blew again. So I tried a bigger fuse. All worked for a minute until smoke started coming out of the dash lights brightness controller. I had no money for a new controller so I bypassed it by connecting just the Black and the Red wires. I put the correct fuse back in. When I turned the headlights on, the black and red wires burned up and welded together. I finally just separated the two wires and put a bigger fuse in. Now the dash lights only work when the headlights are off, the radio works all the time( even with the key out). When I turn the headlights on, the dash lights go out. If I leave the headlights on and turn the car off, all the lights flutter on and off.
I tried following the red wire back, but I ran into massive wiring harnesses. I did some reading and found that just about all those components are somehow connected to a "combination light switch". Does anyone know what this is or have had this problem before?

 

Never use a higher amp fuse to solve a short or you can damage the wiring. It sounds like this happened in your car.

Now you have two electrical problems. The original problem causing the fuse to blow and now suspect wiring.

This is not easy, because I am not sure where to start. Do you have a volt meter and know how to test for voltage on an electrical connector? Also, put the proper amp fuse in the box.

 

Thanks for replying. I do have a multimeter and I can use it. I got the proper amp fuse in there now. I have traced the red and black wire on the dash lights brightness controller to the wiring harness and they are good up to there.

 

I would probably start at the electrical connector for the radio. Tell us what wire(s) have voltage when the key is off and when the key is on. Also inspect the wiring leading to the radio.

The common diy thread on top of this forum (gen tech help) has a link for free online shop manuals. The 94 accord is almost identical to yours, so download that pdf. There are wiring diagrams in there that should help you begin diagnosing the problem.