Dash Illumination

Tue Feb 07, 2006 11:08 am

I've got a problem with my dash lighting up when I put the sidelights/headlights on. Absoloutely nothing lights up atall, no speedo, rev counter, petrol guage etc, also the temp dials dont glow either, it's deffo not a fuse, theyre all fine. Does anyone know if one bulb goes on the dash do they all go?

Tue Feb 07, 2006 11:15 am

There are 2 bulbs that light the dials up, one in between the fuel guage and speedo and the other between the rev and fuel guages.

It is possible these have both gone.

Do the handbrake and oil lights illuminate?

Tue Feb 07, 2006 11:29 am

i know this is gonna sound really sarcastic, and also make me look like a bit of an asshole, but are sure that the side/headlight switch hasnt just been turned anti-clockwise?!?!

if you trun it anti-clockwise, the dash lights dim, like-wise, turning it clockwise will make the dash lights brighter...

Tue Feb 07, 2006 12:11 pm

Steviec wrote:There are 2 bulbs that light the dials up, one in between the fuel guage and speedo and the other between the rev and fuel guages.

It is possible these have both gone.

Do the handbrake and oil lights illuminate?

Yeah the handbrake, servic warning lights etc Illuminate, is it a big job to change the bulbs?

stuartgallafant wrote:i know this is gonna sound really sarcastic, and also make me look like a bit of an asshole, but are sure that the side/headlight switch hasnt just been turned anti-clockwise?!?!

if you trun it anti-clockwise, the dash lights dim, like-wise, turning it clockwise will make the dash lights brighter...

lol its a fair point and i should have mentioned it! But yeah ive tried turning it but it doesnt work! Love your avatar!!

Tue Feb 07, 2006 12:22 pm

Just had the same problem with my 318i. Turning the switch anticlockwise dims the lights and eventually switches them off if working properly. When mine was full clockwise all illumination cut out (faulty switch). Sounds daft but try giving it a bit of a wiggle and it may come back to life. Failing that take a look behind and make sure its all wired up correctly. If all else fails final solution is a new switch I reckon.

Tue Feb 07, 2006 10:24 pm

Assuming that the lights for the heater controls, clock, etc. are out as well?
Take out the rear ashtray and pull out the little lamp and its holder that illuminates it.
With the sidelights on, earth the brown/white wie to the car body.
Does this light up all the lamps?

Tue Feb 07, 2006 11:45 pm

Love your avatar!!

cheerz buddy!!!

anyway, the lights for the dash illumination run on the same circuit as the n/s/f sidelight and n/s/r tail light i think. i cannot remember what fuse number it is, but i know the run on the same circuit.

maybe, just maybe, you've got a problem somewhere else on the circuit and its tripping that out???

Tue Feb 07, 2006 11:59 pm

stuartgallafant wrote:
Love your avatar!!
cheerz buddy!!!

anyway, the lights for the dash illumination run on the same circuit as the n/s/f sidelight and n/s/r tail light i think. i cannot remember what fuse number it is, but i know the run on the same circuit.

maybe, just maybe, you've got a problem somewhere else on the circuit and its tripping that out???

Same fuse.