MarkRobinson

My interior instrument lights either work perfectly (with dimmer working perfectly), or do not (driving pitch black). Sound like a switch? already checked the fuse: no unusual issues/corrosion.

I'm up for suggestions.

chaadster

That little dimmer can go on the fritz; what's it? A potentiometer? Anyway, I'm sure you've tried the dimmer wiggle? I gave mine a spritz of contact cleaner, and it seems to work consistently now.

MarkRobinson

when lights work, dimmer works fine: not flakey at all. when lights are out, obviously no dimmer.

SharkSkin

Does the dimmer potentiometer operate smoothly... meaning do the lights go from bright to dim without blacking out as you move the dial? Could just be a flakey dimmer.

SharkSkin

Chadd beat me to it... That's what I get for loading the page then lollygagging around before posting.

MarkRobinson

very smooth operation of the dimmer when lights are on, lots of wiggling to see if it made a difference; no.

Lizard928

I would be looking at that switch as well,
when they go dead check for voltage on both sides of the resistor.

IcemanG17

Odd....mine does the same thing, but its the dimmer being "sticky" that causes it?

MarkRobinson

I'll take it apart this weekend & check it out, but dimmer is not sticky: very smooth. Heck, there's only 13,800 miles on this car!

Lizard928

no it is a corrosion build up from lack of use on the 2 surfaces that causes this.

Chuck Schreiber

Mark,

Mine did the same. Replaced the potentiometer and it cured the problem.

RngTrtl

mine does same (1985 US). Hmm...Didnt know it was so wide spread.

Chuck Schreiber

Not sure if it's very "widespread" but the potentiometer can wear out or corode over time. I cleaned the contacts up at first and it worked for a while, then I ended up replacing and it worked like a champ. In the end, I scrapped it and ended up going with LEDs. Looks soooooo much better now!

MarkRobinson

pictures Chuck??