my new to new discovery has some quarks.

the light on the gauges turn off when i head lights are on.

leaky rear sunroof, considering taping it shut.

 

I don't have sunroofs in my SD, so can't help you there; plenty of other folks here should be able to assist.

As for the gauge lights, check your fuses (fuse pane under the steering column).

I had a similar issue which was caused by the glove box lamp assembly shorting on an interior (metal) panel. It would blow a fuse and then the lights on the radio and transmission console would go off when I turned on the headlights. I think the gauge lights might have gone dim as well, but I don't remember exactly. In any case, it may be that the dash, gauge, etc. lights are fed by two different circuits, and turning on the headlights engages the second circuit with a blown fuse.

Just a guess.

Btw, the glove box lamp assembly is designed poorly IMO, so shorting out is easy if one of the plastic clips in the lens breaks (happened to me). It is a cheap replacement.

 

When you say the lights to the gauges shut off you mean the lights that make it so you can see them in the dark?
First thing to check would be your tail lights, make sure they work.
Report back on those.

As for the leaky sunroof, marine grade sealant all around the sunroof to seal it shut.

 

tail lights dont work. btw love mars hill, Rob Bell great, changeling teacher.

 

If the tail lights do not work then that is your problem, there is a "fault" wired into the lighting system to warn if if both tail lights go out.
You would never check anything if your dash lights did not go out, but with no dash lights you came on here and asked questions or would have taken it to a shop.
Replace both tail light bulbs.

Yes Rob is a GREAT teacher, it is to bad he is leaving the church that he founded but we still wish him and his family all the best in his new venture.

 

so i can got to autozone and get tail lights for it or do i need to order oem bulbs?

 

the fog lights dont work also , can you replace the bulb in those?

 

Yes, go to AutoZone, bulbs is bulbs, just make sure you get the correct ones.
Take one of your old ones with you, you can also change the fog light bulbs.

 

sweet i'll take care of it tomorrow. thanks for your help. Divine intervention.

 

Let us know how it works out for you.