I have a problem I just cannot figure out how to solve on my 2006 Pontiac Vibe with 168k miles. The backlights on the instrument panel, climate controls, and cigarette lighter has stopped working completely. I checked the dimmer switch but it does nothing anymore. It won't even dim the instrument cluster backlights (which are still on but stuck at the fullest brightness.) I remember it was working before I hitting a pot hole. Mechanical issue?
Check all your fuses and look for loose grounds.
All fuses are OK. I don't think its because of the TAIL fuse blew because then the engine control system (ECU) wouldn't work either and my car probably not run at all. All of the grounds seem fine too. I also just learned today (from a cop lol) that I don't have taillights either. Brake lights still work.
Because the brake and tail lights use the same, two filament bulb, and I doubt that the running light filament burnt out of both bulbs at the same time, there is a problem in the running light circuit itself. Start by finding the correct wire for the running lights and begin tracing it back to the fuse panel.