QuestionI have a used 2002 Accent and recently lost the driver side parking lights and the dash lights for the top half of the dash. When I checked the fuses - the previous owner had actually shorted across one of the fuses in the engine compartment.
I saw a previous answer say a problem like this is in power distribution - but where do I start checking?
AnswerUnfortunately, there are a large number of items on this circuit. It could be any one of these items, or it could be a shorted wire somewhere. If the fuse contacts have been jumped by a wire and the lamps still don't work, the harness is very likely badly burned due to running too much current.
First, install the proper fuse(s) and check to see whether any blow. If so, disconnect the dimmer switch inside the vehicle and refresh the fuse. If it does not blow, you know the problem is in the interior lighting. If it does, you'll know it's in lighting not controlled by the dimmer. In this case, I'd recommend checking the exterior bulbs for being shorted. Simply remove the bulbs that aren't illuminating after the fuse blows and install another fuse. If it no longer blows, it was one of the bulbs removed.
Ultimately, as I said, there are a large number of potential causes, and you'll need to go through a process of elimination. If you can read an electrical schematic, I'd recommend registering for an account at www.hmaservice.com, where you can look at the schematics for this circuit, helping you develop a strategy for finding the problem.
