dash lights not working

I was installing a new head unit and during the process heard a pop and an odd smell. I believe it was caused by the orange wire coming out a wire harness contacting something. After this i noticed that when i turned my headlights on, the dash would not light up. I figured that i had just blown a fuse. I checked all of the fuses and they look good. I even replaced the ones that i think would have blown. All other electrical components on the car work fine. The car is a 94 toyota corolla. Could a bulb have blown or could this be something related to the dimmer switch for the dash. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

sounds like something to do with the dimmer switch

Sounds like you grounded out the illumination wire from the car. Have you checked the fuses in the engine bay ?Jeff

Velocity Custom Home Theater

Mobile Audio/Video Specialist

Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Yes. I have checked all of the fuses. But just to be sure, what would the fuse for the dash likely be labeled. Would it be dash. I saw a fuse for head and wasn't sure if that was it.

if you can't find the label, it should take less than 5 mins to check every fuse to find a blown one

I just double checked all the fuses on the interior fuse panel and under the hood so I'm guessing its the dimmer switch. How involved of a process is it to replace a dimmer switch? Are there any other ways that I can be positive that this is the problem?

Also, where could i order a new dimmer switch. I looked everywhere online and came up handy. Or am i gonna have to make a trip to the junk yard.

To check the parking light circuit, take the GREEN wire from the switch and add 12 volts to this wire. If the dash lights up, then you know it's the switch. Go to a junk yard to get a new one.Jeff

Velocity Custom Home Theater

Mobile Audio/Video Specialist

Morden, Manitoba CANADA