I see a number of posts on the subject of no dash lights and it seems attributed to the Illuination control module.  In my Outback I have the module number 83023AE01A.  I have current in the purple wire and saw if the white wire was to be grounded the lights should work, but without the dimming function.  I tried that, but I still have no dash lights.

 

The 10 amp fuse in the box by the left knee/drivers side is good.  Is there something else I could try or should I just replace the module and be done with it?

 

As always, appreciate the help.

The purple wire provides fused power to the lamps. There may be an orange wire for the return side of the lights and if so then grounding it should turn on the lights.

Thanks for the reply cougar.  I believe the posting I saw on it was a ground either white or orange.  I do have the hot purple wire and a white coming out of the plug.  I didn't cut the white wire to ground it, but stripped al ittle insulation off and held that to ground.  Still no dash lights.

 

I'll keep checking.

I know some of the vehicle years had a white wire for the return also. Hopefully you grounded the correct white wire as the lights should have turned on when you did that, as long as the power side dosen't have a problem.

Have you check lighting switch fuse in under hood fuse box

No I didn't Ivan.  The only fuse I did anything with was the one in the fuse box in front of the left knee - drivers side. It was a 10 amp.  Pulling it cut the power to the purple wire.

 

I'll look for one under the hood, thanks.

Edited January 15, 201412 yr by farmer

I ran out and checked under hood for that fuse.  Found it pretty easy and it was ok.