Weird lighting problem

[tuNED318]

So, here we go again with the electrical problems...

I started the car the other day and there were no lights "on" on the cluster dials. I was like wtf, pulled on the light knob... and nothing. Fuck, all lights were working fine 2 days before that!

So, as for now, the following don't work properly:

-there is no light on the cluster dials(bottom lights: check engine, parking brake, etc., do work).

-No lights on the ventilation controls. OBC display works fine but the buttons don't light up.

-Rear defrost and hazard buttons light up when pressed but otherwise they don't

-Rear passenger light doesn't light up, but flasher and brake light work.

-License plate lights...

-Front passenger flasher flashes but doesn't stay on.

-Ash tray lights don't work.

I checked the fuses and the light switch and they are fine. Bulbs in the rear are good. I didn't check the front flasher or any other not working lights, but since it happened all of a sudden, I'd be suprised if they all went at the same time.

What could it be? Any idea?

Damn car, I just spent 1K$ on the direction and I can't even drive it
+ I got a bearing to fix...:roll:


ps: Merry Christmas.....

[dashboardmonkey]

Check your grounds, aside from that I dunno

[jlevie]

The first three items on the list and the ash tray light could be explained by a blown fuse or bad dimmer in the headlight switch.

The other three might faults might be a wiring problem or a problem in the sensor module for the check panel (located near the antenna motor in the driver rear quarter panel).

[DaveSmed]

Fuse 23 ok?

[tuNED318]

The first three items on the list and the ash tray light could be explained by a blown fuse or bad dimmer in the headlight switch.

Fuse 23 ok?

yeah, all of this is in working order...

Could it be a relay?

edit: didn't read well

The other three might faults might be a wiring problem or a problem in the sensor module for the check panel (located near the antenna motor in the driver rear quarter panel).

From here, as I'm not good in the electric department, I should have it checked... another visit to the garage

[DaveSmed]

Ok, If Fuse 23 is good (switch it with another 7.5A to be sure) I would start by looking at the wiring going to the switch. Does it look like an alarm might have been installed at one time?

Everything you mentioned happens to run off of that fuse, which feeds two separate contacts in the headlight switch. One set runs through the dimmer knob for the dash lights, and the other goes to the right side parking lights.

[asubimmer]

sounds JUST like a dead dimmer. I would just pick a new one up from your local upull for the cheap...

[E30_Pare]

dead battery? lol. I have no idea

[tuNED318]

Ok, If Fuse 23 is good (switch it with another 7.5A to be sure) I would start by looking at the wiring going to the switch. Does it look like an alarm might have been installed at one time?

Everything you mentioned happens to run off of that fuse, which feeds two separate contacts in the headlight switch. One set runs through the dimmer knob for the dash lights, and the other goes to the right side parking lights.

When I swaped in a functioning headlight switch(which didn't fix the problem), I saw a wire, going into the plug for the switch, that seems to have been cut or whatever. It was welded and had a piece of electrical tape on it. Seems to be well conected.

There is a red LED beside the rear defrost button, but it doesn't flash.
The only alarm/ignition cut-off I've used myself, is the OBC one.

I'll double check fuse 23, but I think I already put another fuse in, just to be sure. I even checked 10 and 21...

sounds JUST like a dead dimmer. I would just pick a new one up from your local upull for the cheap...

^^