Dead dashboard backlights 850glt

mynoralvarez · Post by **mynoralvarez** » 07 May 2013, 12:29

All dashboard backlighting was working flawlessly incluiding the dimmer function until one day they suddenly turned off while driving and never came back. All bulbs are off incluiding those that light up hot and cold air levers and cigarrete lighter. Is there a way to bypass the dimmer to at least try to let them steady while I solve the problem IF it is the dimmer?

jonesboy1983 · Post by **jonesboy1983** » 07 May 2013, 12:37

Sounds like it may be a blown fuse.

mynoralvarez · Post by **mynoralvarez** » 07 May 2013, 14:01

Thank you jonesboy1983 but I have already tested ALL fuses one by one. Could it be a relay problem? Or maybe is there a way to test the dimmer?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 07 May 2013, 22:08

You can bypass the dimmer as a test - and that does sound like what your problem is.

From the schematics it looks like a jumper wire between the Pink wire and the Brn/Org wire should turn the lights on for a test.

...Lee

mynoralvarez · Post by **mynoralvarez** » 05 Sep 2013, 19:53

I will test this as soon as possible

Thank you!

Acknar · Post by **Acknar** » 05 Sep 2013, 20:24

Sounds kinda like mine, but my cluster lights like to play I'm working before you start the car, but not once you get it going. Sometimes I can cycle the light switch and they come back and others like tonight they just stay off and I had to shut it off and restart and they worked. I just gave you a new heart car can you just work for a little while...

wilson850r · Post by **wilson850r** » 06 Sep 2013, 08:35

This will sound crazy but it was what was wrong with my 97. If not the dimmer switch or ignition switch pull the center console up and see if both of the plugs, black and grey, in front under coin tray are completely plugged in. That ended up being the problem on mine.

mynoralvarez · Post by **mynoralvarez** » 06 Sep 2013, 08:53

wilson850r wrote:This will sound crazy but it was what was wrong with my 97. If not the dimmer switch or ignition switch pull the center console up and see if both of the plugs, black and grey, in front under coin tray are completely plugged in. That ended up being the problem on mine.

Thanks for the tip. Do you refer to the big black plastic part that holds the windows switch module?

wilson850r · Post by **wilson850r** » 06 Sep 2013, 09:53

Yes, that whole piece. There is a great thread on here with instructions on removing. It is very simple and might save you money and headaches. I had two electrical people look at it and quoted some crazy price for repairing. I found out when I removed to change the gear selector bulb that the left plug was loose. Plugged back in and what do you know, all lights came back on.

mynoralvarez · Post by **mynoralvarez** » 06 Sep 2013, 10:28

mynoralvarez wrote:
wilson850r wrote:This will sound crazy but it was what was wrong with my 97. If not the dimmer switch or ignition switch pull the center console up and see if both of the plugs, black and grey, in front under coin tray are completely plugged in. That ended up being the problem on mine.

BTW excuse me Sir! But nothing related to 850s may sound crazy! Even the most weird things seem to work and this one might be a good one. Sure will try it! I once read a thread of a guy that although impossible to believe solved some of his car's electrical trolls by activating and deactivating a few times his central lock switch. Thanks again!