Dash lights not working again!

[GregT]

Is it the rain or is just the day?

What fuse directly controls the dash lights? I thought it was the "accessories" fuse that was in the b"gger of a place to get to - behind the drivers fuse panel.

Dash lights not working again.

Replaced that blue fuse again, checked all visible fuses - all fine. Just still no dash lights.

Any ideas anyone? A short somewhere? Battery is good and all pod functions work. Its stumped me!

GT

[JeffTT]

If you talking about the back lighting then they must feed off the side light fuse, assuming the side lights are working then check you have not turned the brightness down on the right hand pod without knowing when cleaning.

 

Jeff TT

[groover]

Do the pods light up?

[GregT]

No - tried the dimmer - doesn't do anything. The pods don't light either. Apart from the outside temp (currently "18"*).

Any more ideas??

[GregT]

Whilst checking all fuses again, I noticed that the input connector for the dimmer looked slightly burnt. See pics below!

You can see it more in this light.

Is this the cause do you reckon?

[jayjay93]

hmm that could be something to do with it, has the car got any after market lights that might pull more power. if not it could have just been a loose connection that got hot or something is pulling high current. can just recommend giving connector good clean or source a new one see if it cures it.

[groover]

If you are able to rule out he connector, the next to check is the TCU (time control unit) its an opaque little box on the same bracket as the green fuel pump relay behind the drivers kick panel. Check the connector, then open the box and check he tracks on the board, you may have a burnt track, which depending on how bad it is, you will be able to remake the track user solder and thin wire,

 

I had the same thing happen to me years ago and lost all my dash lights and the TCU was the culprit with a burnt out track on the board.

 

It controls the light dimming, intermittent wiper, interior light dimming etc, so next port of call for you Greg.

[GregT]

Thanks Graham - will check it out when I return from work.

[GregT]

Right - I have taken some pics of the TCU board - I did notice one bit of dodginess - see the bit circled in yellow. Is this OK or is this potentially a cause?

The top of the TCU board looks fine.

Thanks,

Greg

[groover]

That is your cause the copper track has lifted, so use a thin piece of wire and solder to each side of the damage, bypassing the broken track but making a new circuit.

[GregT]

You mean I got to buy a soldering iron!?!

 

Maplins here I come! Thanks Graham - a nice little job for the weekend then I think!

[GregT]

OK, so either my soldering is sh*te or this has not resolved this. I think a replacement TCU is in order.

[GregT]

So, after a replacement TCU - I still have this - taken with flash and without. I can't see how fast I am driving!

 

 

Without flash -

 

 

See the difference?

I have also noticed a battery drain. I replaced the battery today (£100 lighter now), checked all fuses, checked for damp (none), replaced the accessories fuse, taken the dash apart twice, and now am stumped.

Any more ideas?

[JeffTT]

Any more ideas?

 

Just run a new supply in but remember to go through the dimmer still though.

 

Jeff TT

[groover]

You have 3 led bulbs out in the dash, if they are new, turn the bulb holder around 180 deg as they are polar reliant, ie will only work one way. It looks like you have the pods and dash lights working now, just the 3 bulbs to replaced or rotate.

[pioneer]

great thread just repaired same piece in my tcu,dash working fine now,saved many hours of getting no where,many thanks mark.

[GregT]

I remember the headache this gave me! Mind you I learnt how to dismantle the dash off by heart!

I've still got that old steering wheel somewhere..

[pioneer]

yep theres no more fun then keep taking dash out lol,ive just fitted blue leds in pods looks great,only problem now is the led for the rear heater to show its on goes out when you turn lights on,gonna check fuses tomorrow,and engine check light wont work,bulbs fine,theres always something to do lol.

[Jamestarin]

Any one know what fixed this problem in the end? Have out new pods in for heating and now lights in dash don't work and when I turn lights on climate control pod goes blank also

[pioneer]

Hiya have you checked fuses and are you connectors in the pods in firmly,and what was problem before.

[Jamestarin]

The climate control panel had no display so I changed the pod now lights don't work on dash or on pod when lights are on, any idea which fuse

[pioneer]

on the top row there is a row of 10a fuses should be third one but just check all of the 10a on top row.

[phutumsch]

I think you are focusing too much on the pod, cluster area, sounds like something is making it go pop on the sidelight circuit, broaden your horizons and check the corners of the car, unplug stuff trial and error.

[Martin 22]

I have a similar problem, dash lights not working, fuel pump don't make any noise and car don't start, Even ECU, I tried to scan but I couldn't, could it be the TCU? A fuse or relay?