no dashboard lights!!

the fool · 18th October 2010, 21:28

Hi peeps, been on here for a wee while now mainly just reading up on stuff - a big pat on the back to you all cos the info is spot on and everyone seems very helpful!

The problem is i have searched aplenty and cannot find a problem like mine, my exterior and interior lights are all working fine, but i have no dash lights

they have been like this since i got the car and i have tried various ways to find out what the problem is with no success so far.

They worked once when i was out for a drive one evening and as it was getting dark i decided to switch on the lights (as you do) and was very surprised to see my dash all orangy

they worked for the rest of that night even after getting out of the car and leaving it for an hour or so.

Needless to say the next day i was once again in the dark

So if any one is able to help and may shine a bit of light my way then it would be appreciated.

suzublu · 18th October 2010, 21:37

Have you tried the dash dimmer wheel?

the fool · 18th October 2010, 22:04

yes it works insomuch as it dims the display in the mileometer and the radio, the radio display works but none of the buttons are illuminated (hope that makes sense).

the fool · 19th October 2010, 22:53

anyone?

rrobson · 19th October 2010, 22:56

have you tried a bettery reset? no harm in doing so?
sounds like theres a loose cable somewhere. im assuming the dials work, just not the lights?

Simondi · 19th October 2010, 23:08

I'm sure someone will come up with the soloution for this. I noticed earlier that Les (SMC Trading) has the instrument panels for sale if worst comes to worst.

the fool · 20th October 2010, 19:48

thanks for the replies peeps, the dials and gauges are all working fine its just when you turn on the lights, the dash stays unlit and so do all of the switches and buttons on the dash. the search continues

Greeners · 21st October 2010, 17:36

So to clarify......all the gauges and switches function correctly, but just don't illuminate when you put the lights on..

In that case you need to check the red/white wire (not red/white with a yellow splash - that's the K-Bus), which loops in and out of anything that's illuminated.

If you can work out which bits are illuminated, and which aren't I can probably narrow down the area the break may be.

the fool · 21st October 2010, 22:06

Yes greeners, all buttons, switches, dials and gauges are working but there is no illumination when you switch on the side/head lights. there are no warning lights on in the display and the only lights are the ones for the milometer, heating, and radio ( they are always on when the ignition is on, which is normal as far as i know). if i turn the lights on at night i am able to dim the ones mentioned so i think the switch unit is ok ( i can also adjust the beam of the headlights with same switch, so that seems ok too).

i dont mind getting involved mechanically but electrics are not one of my strong points

the fool · 25th October 2010, 20:35

Well still looking into this, have had a look at all the fuses and they seem ok, cant see any loose wires under the dash so it looks like i will need to consult an expert. will let you know if i ever get it sorted out.

18th October 2010, 21:28	#1
the fool Newbie Rover 75 CDT Club Tourer Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Wishaw Posts: 21 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	no dashboard lights!! Hi peeps, been on here for a wee while now mainly just reading up on stuff - a big pat on the back to you all cos the info is spot on and everyone seems very helpful! The problem is i have searched aplenty and cannot find a problem like mine, my exterior and interior lights are all working fine, but i have no dash lights they have been like this since i got the car and i have tried various ways to find out what the problem is with no success so far. They worked once when i was out for a drive one evening and as it was getting dark i decided to switch on the lights (as you do) and was very surprised to see my dash all orangy they worked for the rest of that night even after getting out of the car and leaving it for an hour or so. Needless to say the next day i was once again in the dark So if any one is able to help and may shine a bit of light my way then it would be appreciated.

19th October 2010, 22:56	#5
rrobson I really should get out more....... 75 tourer cdti, MG ZS 180, nissan terrano & 1.8t rover 25 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Pontefract Posts: 2,644 Thanks: 17 Thanked 295 Times in 218 Posts	have you tried a bettery reset? no harm in doing so? sounds like theres a loose cable somewhere. im assuming the dials work, just not the lights? __________________ How to view a car - everything you need to help you inspect a used car VIS motor tester avalible to local members Injector removal tool and auto gearbox pressure tester now available

19th October 2010, 23:08	#6
Simondi Regional Secretary MGTF, MG ZS EV Exclusive Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kilwinning Posts: 14,046 Thanks: 1,460 Thanked 3,563 Times in 1,857 Posts	I'm sure someone will come up with the soloution for this. I noticed earlier that Les (SMC Trading) has the instrument panels for sale if worst comes to worst. __________________ Simondi FAQ How do you do that? Club Flyers Looking for a car seen in a film or on TV? Fancy a change in colour or wheels - paint configurator OBD - Trip Meter Ultimate Buyers Guide Post YouTube videos

21st October 2010, 17:36	#8
Greeners Moderator MG-ZTT Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ware, Herts Posts: 19,798 Thanks: 161 Thanked 1,249 Times in 1,036 Posts	So to clarify......all the gauges and switches function correctly, but just don't illuminate when you put the lights on.. In that case you need to check the red/white wire (not red/white with a yellow splash - that's the K-Bus), which loops in and out of anything that's illuminated. If you can work out which bits are illuminated, and which aren't I can probably narrow down the area the break may be. __________________ *David* Impecunity is the mother of ingenuity Useful how to's for common problems Car Of The Month Jan 2014 [SatNav Power Down] [Coolant Level] [SatNav Repair] [Diesel Non Starting] [Paint Codes] [Rear Light Seals] [Reversing Light Switch] [Bleeding Brakes][Sunroof Drain] [Early ZT's][Instrument Pack Diagnostics][ATC Diagnostics]

18th October 2010, 21:37	#2
suzublu This is my second home rover 75 1.8 vvc club se wedgwood blue Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Seaton Carew Posts: 26,920 Thanks: 65 Thanked 7,142 Times in 4,642 Posts	Have you tried the dash dimmer wheel?

18th October 2010, 22:04	#3
the fool Newbie Rover 75 CDT Club Tourer Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Wishaw Posts: 21 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	yes it works insomuch as it dims the display in the mileometer and the radio, the radio display works but none of the buttons are illuminated (hope that makes sense).

19th October 2010, 22:53	#4
the fool Newbie Rover 75 CDT Club Tourer Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Wishaw Posts: 21 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	anyone?

20th October 2010, 19:48	#7
the fool Newbie Rover 75 CDT Club Tourer Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Wishaw Posts: 21 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	thanks for the replies peeps, the dials and gauges are all working fine its just when you turn on the lights, the dash stays unlit and so do all of the switches and buttons on the dash. the search continues

21st October 2010, 22:06	#9
the fool Newbie Rover 75 CDT Club Tourer Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Wishaw Posts: 21 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Yes greeners, all buttons, switches, dials and gauges are working but there is no illumination when you switch on the side/head lights. there are no warning lights on in the display and the only lights are the ones for the milometer, heating, and radio ( they are always on when the ignition is on, which is normal as far as i know). if i turn the lights on at night i am able to dim the ones mentioned so i think the switch unit is ok ( i can also adjust the beam of the headlights with same switch, so that seems ok too). i dont mind getting involved mechanically but electrics are not one of my strong points

25th October 2010, 20:35	#10
the fool Newbie Rover 75 CDT Club Tourer Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Wishaw Posts: 21 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Well still looking into this, have had a look at all the fuses and they seem ok, cant see any loose wires under the dash so it looks like i will need to consult an expert. will let you know if i ever get it sorted out.