Electrical Confusion

[Osaka]

Hi there, I have run into quite a weird issue and don’t know what the **** to do. To preface, it’s a 1995 ATX. I have replaced the battery, checked fuses and grounds. The issue is that electrical components will not function as intended.

ie. The climate control and cluster will not light up. But will turn on if I activate my 4 ways, turn signals or fog lamps.

My high beams will not turn on unless the auto lamp slider is on and I turn on turn signals or 4 ways etc.

It’s almost like wires are crossing somewhere. I press one thing and another happens. Additionally, the airbag light is flashing code 51.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[rubydist]

There is a good chance you have multiple issues. Most likely you do have a short or multiple shorts in the wiring harness, most likely under the dash from your description.

However, a messed up multifunction switch can result in the high beam issue, so that is also a possibility.

 

[paul65584]

Have you added led lights? If so you may need to put resistors across them. My truck came with aftermarket led lights and before i put in resistors they did a bunch of weird things.

 

[SHOCH]

Sniff the headlight switch for burning smell and also check the alternator to make sure the internal regulator is not failing and putting out more than it should. I Cooked my ac controls and battery last year.

 

[SHOrod]

It sounds to me like your light issues are probably due to a grounding issue. The instrument cluster is not getting it's ground until you activate the turn signals/hazard lights or fog lights, and then it gets ground through the turn signal or fog light indicators.

I don't think you have a "short" somewhere since a short would likely mean either your lights would be on all the time or a fuse would blow. I think instead you have an open ground wire somewhere common to the instrument cluster and climate control system for the interior illumination.

-Rod