'07 Vibe-Tail Lights and most dash lights not working

[chlywily]

I noticed driving home yesterday that while my instrument panel light was on (extra bright), none of the other dashboard lights were working, such as the HVAC controls, radio, etc. Also, all running lights (rear tail lights and front amber lights) were not working, but the headlights and fog lights were OK. I replaced fuses and tried changing out the headlight relay switch to no avail. I even disconnected the trailer light converter thinking that could be the issue, but the problem still persisted. Then I found an article on Edmunds where someone recommended changing the tail light relay, which is behind the glove compartment. If you remove the glove box, there is a black box with a bunch of wires going to it just below the airbag hardware. On top of that black box, the relay switch 2nd from the passenger side is the correct relay. Somehow, this became loose, so I plugged it in and everything started working.This was a real hassle and I was almost to the point of thinking I had a short somewhere, so I wanted to pass this along in case anyone else runs into the same issue. I honestly think it was the dealer that loosened the relay on purpose, since I had the car in there about 10 days ago for the PCM recall and they tried to sell me a bunch of crap that I didn't need. Given I do my own maintenance, I told them I wasn't interested. Thanks Mr. Dealer...

[A Psycho Martyr]

cool, cool.Thanks for passing the knowledge.I had a similar issue once, but mine was fixed with a new fuse

[kostby]

Thanks for the helpful info. Even when GM builds world-class cars (and a few models are pretty close) they still have to overcome the huge negative impact of their remaining dealerships who still employ 'scum' who try to pull crap like that. Just one experience like that, and 99% of customers are likely to never, ever come back. I'm just amazed that those 'stealerships' still survive.

[joatmon]

several others have had issues with that relay becoming unseated. Only one I could find quickly was VibininFla, in http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=40528

[thechief86]

hey guys, i'm having this same problem, but even after going as far as to replace the relays, my car kept blowing every fuse i put in for the taillights. i finally put a higher amp fuse in, and it worked! for a little while.... then i smelled smoke. i pulled the fuse back out, and now i need to know what to look for. this is the newest car i've ever had, along with the most expensive. i'd sure like to get it fixed!_eric06 vibe: auto trans, manual everything, fog lights

[Blanco_Diablo]

I had the same issue withe that 10A fuse blowing and killing the tails, parking lights and a section of the dash including the HVAC controls. Turns out I did have a short (amazingly not cause by me DIYing) when I installed my used (but new to me) projectors. Took someone with more tools and car electrical experience than me to fix though.