'95 850 Dash lights

JRPM · Post by **JRPM** » 12 Jun 2005, 20:21

My instrument lights flicker on and off, I used to think that they would come on when it warmed up, but now I don't think that's what's happening. Essentially, when I start my car, the dash lights will come on and then go off almost immediately, if they stay on then they will go off when I shift to Drive. Sometimes they will come back on later during the drive, more often they won't. Occasionally they will flicker on and off. If the dash lights are off the radio lights will be bright, and if the dash lights are on the radio will be dim, so I think there is a loose connection on the switch that tells the dash lights that the headlights are on and when it isn't making that connection it kicks over to daytime driving dash lights.

I've taken it to a mechanic who said that he couldn't reproduce the problem.

Tried replacing fuses, no avail

Any help/ideas?

Thanks,
John

marcusantonus · Post by **marcusantonus** » 12 Feb 2006, 23:22

I have the same exact problem with my 850...did or has anyone found out what it is? Its hard driving at night and knowing what the speed is or how much gas but the car is running fine. Lights seemed to flicker one day and I though it was my imagination...even the radio flickered thenmy wife told me no more lights and when i drove it, she was right...I am thinking has to be wiring shorting lights out but then it is werid because no other electrical including the radio is effected. Its just the dash lights only.

White850Turbo · Post by **White850Turbo** » 13 Feb 2006, 06:14

Sounds like the electrical portion of the ignition switch.

marcusantonus · Post by **marcusantonus** » 13 Feb 2006, 09:18

Thanks for the relpy I will look into that...anyone else have suggestions?

marcusantonus · Post by **marcusantonus** » 09 Apr 2006, 00:19

Same problem here...It may be the dimmer switch...I just ebay'd one i will let u know if it works.

m

stevegs · Post by **stevegs** » 11 Apr 2006, 18:53

Do other lights like ones by the ashtray, electric window switches, seat heater switches etc. flicker? These, and the dash panel lamps, are controlled by the 'rheostat', a slider situated above the rear foglight switch. The slider could be dirty - move it left and right several times and note what happens to the flicker. If lights flicker when you move it, that's the problem. You might get away by cleaning it with switch cleaner, but it's quite likely only to have a temporary effect. The only real way is to replace it.

rp850 · Post by **rp850** » 11 Apr 2006, 21:08

It could be the headlight switch. Try cleaning it with some electrical contact cleaner.

marcusantonus · Post by **marcusantonus** » 11 Apr 2006, 22:05

Hey,
Its the dimmer switch!! I just switched the old one out and with a used replacement and It worked. They are kinda tricky to remove...the clips are on the sides, not the top. You will need a long then straight edge, I used a buttlerknife..just becarefull not to scratch the dash, and pry out. Pass the karma!