No Dashboard (instrument Panel) Illumination

[byrnsey]

hi again richard

god knows what the first mechanic I had was looking at but this auto electrics specialist knew what he was doing. He replaced a circuit board behind the dash that was burned out (because of the dimmer), replaced all bulbs, disconnected the broken glove box light and rewired the license plate lights which also had a problem. Now I know that even when I did have lights in my dash I only had a few as it's like NASA launch pad in comparison now!!! DOne in the day at £80 incl labour and VAT

So to come to point, the prob with the dimmer was that it blew the circuit board and the license wiring is a connected problem. So have the current checked to the dimmer switch and the circuit board first I guess by your mechanic or skip him and go direct to an auto electrics guy.

Adrian

[RichardB]

Hi Adrian,

That's interesting to read. Your man is'nt anywhere near West Susssex, Haywards Heath by any chance?! Basicaly I need a decent Auto spark, anyone know of a good one near this location?

I believ that my problem is similar althouugh I have narrowed the problem dow do the connections on the back of the instruments.


Fuse blew, again, replaced with lower amperage as that is all I had, bloody dash lights came on, first time in 18 months ........... then went out, 5 miles up road fuse blew.

Replaced fuse this time with 7.5A gave the top of the instrument cluster a gentle wack with fist, fuse blew.

Replaced fuse again, this time 25A driving home lights on , then off ............. so it's got to be linked with the instruments.


Will get back to you.


Cheers

[krisstyle2237]

New to the Forums, same problem slightly different vehicle. 1995 90Q. My dash lights were working fine last night when I went to work, this morning nothing. The fuse is fine, in the rain gutter again, no dsh lights but the rest of the lights on the circuit are fine (working)...

Suggestions?

[briandeadly]

Hi,
the wiring along the boot lid left hand corner - where it bends the most on opening and closing - breaks down after a while causing a short and blowing the same fuse that is for the instrument lights. It can be repaired if you disconnect it from behind the tail light and work with the play to have the bend at a slightly different point.... and cut open the cable at the original point and resolder the broken wires.

I had to do this and only cost a bit of time to fix.

B.

[burnsey]

after reading the forums on this subject i am still at a loss.

i have a 96 a4 avant, with intermittent dash lights that are driving me crazy. as with others the guages all work but the illumitation does'nt.

ive had the dash apart, nothing wrong with the dimmer (enclosed within speedo),
nothing wrong with tail lights or fog / numberplate.

fuse box located in door pillar on 96 models.

im thinking its one of the relays at fault but no idea which one does what as no table in manual or diagrams anywhere.

hellllllllllllllllllllppppppppppp.
please!