Dash lights only work when door is open
 

Hey, I just bought an 88 4x4 Jimmy "Gypsy" last night for $700.00. I bought it to drive during the winter so I can keep my DD safe (2004 Pontiac Grand Am GT). Anyways, the dash lights are very intermittent. They only illuminate when a door is open. When the doors are closed (such as during usual driving), the dash is completely dark at night.

I assumed blown fuse or bulbs until I realized it still works when doors are open, so I'm stumped!

Anyone have an idea?

Thanks,
Amir

EDIT- Anyone know where I can get an owner's manual? I bought the Haynes manual, but it's really just focused on repairs it seems. And, is there a website with some Jimmy information? I know it's fairly similar to the blazer, but I don't know just how similar. Thanks again.

RE: Dash lights only work when door is open
 

theyre pretty much identical. the interiors tend to be fancier since its a GMC instead of a Chevy (not sure on the differences though since you've got an 88)...rims are a different design but identically spec'd...etc...on the 1st gens I don't think anything was different on the front end like on the 2nd gens.

Check RockAuto for the manual, or look on ebay :)

No idea on your dash lights. Electrical problems on that old of a vehicle can be wicked fun :eek:

RE: Dash lights only work when door is open
 

Not that this helps any, but my grandpa's 88 ford ranger has some crazy wiring issues. You can only roll down the passenger window when the drivers door is completely open, and you can only unlock the passenger door from the outside if all the windows are up.

RE: Dash lights only work when door is open
 

Its probably a ground problem, Have fun with it lots of grounds running around these trucks lol. Try checking the ground near the backdriver side frame rail just after the back tire