Dash Lights Not Working After Tranny Swap

[Jon87V20]

Hello,

I recently replaced the transmission in my Suburban. Now that it's all back together, I noticed I don't have dash lights.

Please note:

All the exterior lights are working normally, and the fuses seem to be fine. I've tried moving the dimmer around to see if they'd come on, but nothing.

The only electrical things I touched during the transmission swap were

1) I attached the kickdown signal wire from the ECM to the transmission's kickdown solenoid (it wasn't attached to the old transmission).
2) I started disassembling the transfer case shifter knob assembly and unplugged the connector for the light inside the shifter. I eventually realized removing that stuff on the inside wasn't necessary to disconnect the transfercase linkage, so I put it back together.

Any ideas of something I could have messed up? Is there a chance something got unplugged or pinched when the engine was up against the firewall while the transmission crossmember was out? Not really sure where to start looking since the fuses are normal.

Could this just be a coincidence that the headlamp switch failed while it was parked? Seems unlikely right?

Thanks!

[bd]

Assuming this is your 87 V20, since you didn't say, probe both sides of the 5-amp instrument lamp fuse using an incandescent test light with the running lamps switched on and the dimmer rheostat rotated fully CCW.  If only one side of the fuse is hot, replace the fuse.  If there is no power to the fuse, check the headlamp switch connections and/or replace the switch.  If both sides of the fuse are hot, check the instrument cluster ground connections to the cab sheetmetal and the harness connections to the back of the instrument cluster; replace any bulbs that are burned out.  There are other possibilities, but this will get you started.

[Jon87V20]

Okay. Thanks, bd. Sorry I didn't put in the info on the truck. It is my '87 Suburban V20. I thought the info should be showing in my signature but maybe only I can see it or it's not working or something.

[bd]

It's visible in your signature.  But, it's unclear that your signature holds the key to the topic if you don't clearly state the fact.  Candidly, you may receive more responses if you don't assume everyone knows what you're thinking.   

Diagnosing dash lights that don't work may provide additional background information to help you resolve the problem.

[Jon87V20]

Okay that makes sense. I'll be sure to include that from now on. Thanks again for the info, bd!