No Dashboard (instrument Panel) Illumination

[pgphamm]

I have exactly the same problem! Just recently bought an Audi 80 1.6 from '91 and indeed, none of the dashboard lights are working. All the indicatorlights are fine but none of the illuminationlights work. Any progress? I'll try to find the dimmer today but I couldn't find anything wrong with the fuses, they seem just fine...
Keep us posted!

[kilo]

Originally posted by audi80eesti@Nov 13 2004, 01:38 PM
Hi,

I just logged on to post my own similair problem. Initially I noticed that my rear fog light was staying on, I had a look at the problem and could find nothing wrong. Then that problem cleared all by itself (or so I thought), the only problem is that now my dash lights are only on when I turn the rear fog light on. ????

Anyone else had the same problem ??

Quoted post

Hi,
When I had that problem,ie the rear fog coming on and the switch not turning it off I checked all the lights and if memory serves correctly the numberplate light and panel lights were off.

The problem turned out to be the feeds to the bootlid in the rain gutter had fractured internally where they bend after the hinge clips. Can I suggest you unclip the cable with the lights on and bend it around a bit,mine looked perfect externally but by bending it slightly lights started working and I could feel a definite weak spot.
I cut thru the insulation either side of this point and V carefully slit it and peeled it off,it revealed 3 or 4 of the wires had broken and were possibly shorting internally this gave a similar effect to a dodgy earth.

This must have been happening for years because when I first bought the car at 3 years old it flattened the battery and the techie said "I think the bootlight is staying on,I'll remove the bulb" this was not satisfactory so I replaced the bulb and checked the action of the boot light.As the light went off about 3" before latching I assumed (wrongly) the presence of a mercury switch,with the wires now bodged up the light doesn't go off till it latches and all the gremlins have dissapeared.

May not be the same in your case but it seems to be an acknowleged design fault that will only get worse with age due to the plastics hardening. If anyone finds a tidy,permanent,fix could they share it with us as I intend to keep this car for as long as possible.

Ian

see also :http://www.audi-forums.com/t4212-rear-wiring.htm

Sorry, thought this was a Hyperlink,but you get the gist?

[byrnsey]

hi all. just found this site when looking forsame answer to problem. My dimmer switch was turning the dahboard lights off so I had to keep fiddling with the dimmer for months until eventually it just stopped working. Garage said it burned out the dash circuit board. Makes sense that that would be the same for all the problems here, as other lights and fuses are working.

Could Steve with the circuit diagram please post it. thanks

Adrian

[RichardB]

Hi,

New to this forum. Comments seem very helpful.

I have a 94 Audi 80 and too have the same problem. Instrument cluster lights just gone. No fuse problem. Auto electrician has loked and cannot find problem. Can only think it is linked to dimmer switch and possibly burning out as an earlier reply has suggested on this forum.

The other issue I have is all the gauges die on me i.e. the fuse blows for now apparent reason. Again cannot sauce the problem. Can only think it is related to location of fuse box, possible ingress of water etc,etc...


Any thoughts out there???


Thanks

[byrnsey]

Hi Richard

It looks like we are the only recent members to the forum with this problem. I had a mechanic look for the problem four times - yes 4. And quickly lost all faith in his abilities. My dimmer switch was replaced but he then realised there was no currrent to the switch (so I paid for a new switch for no reason).
Eventually he "figured" as it is not on a fuse it was actually on the same circuit as the the licence plate lights - which were indeed gone. Another member has mentioned that in this forum.

Basically I have still not had it fixed as I am trying to find a mechanic who actually can fix it. The first mechanic I told him the problem but he took all those attempts to try and find the problem!!!! My adivce is to print these messages and bring them to your mechanic as a guide...

let me know if you come up with anything concrete.
As for the actual guages not working I'm assuming that they must be on a fuse so that's another problem for you.

Adrian

[RichardB]

Adrian,


Thanks. I will keep you informed of developments!!


ATB


Richard

[RichardB]

Adrian,


How much did it cost to have the dimmer switch replaced? I can think this is the only reason why the dash lights are not working.

Thanks


Richard

[byrnsey]

If only it was that simple. Even the mechanic thought once he replaced it the lights would work. the switch was only about £25. But I had it replaced and the dash lights still don't work. It was after that the mechanic had two more investigations to find the problem. THat's when he figured it is something to do with the wiring to the licence plate lights.

I have actually just spent the last hour fiddling with all the wires in the boot and checking fuses etc. I did find a two wires disconnected to what must only be an earth - at the actual boot lock. Connected it but no difference.
I also just popped over to another mechanic who gave me a number of an electrics specialist to call which I will do shortly.

Next time you're at your car just check if your licence lights are working as a matter of interest.

Adrian

[RichardB]

Adrian



Licence plate lights working. I am convinced that it is the dimmer switch, as until you had mentioned it I had not even considered this option.

I will have a look at the fuse box housing this weekend as someone quite rightly commented on the early/mid audi's the fuse box is located externally right in line on the water soak away, so there is the possibility of terminal corrosion.

Will keep you in touch of developments!!!


Cheers


Richard

[byrnsey]

hi richard

I've booked my car into "another" electrical specialist on Monday so I'll update next week. Hopefully with an illuminated dashboard.

Adrian