Dash lights esp: CC

[trydrew]

Ever since i got my car, i noticed that when u turn the headlights on, the CC lights go out. Thing is, those are only the CC temp display and leds above the buttons.

So does anyone know what the problem could be with the headlights being on, causing the CC lights to go out?

My other problem is that none of the backlit lights on any of my controls work (headlights off and on). This sucks at night but my car is being fixed right now so i got time.
BTW: i have after market gauges.

Thanks,
Drew

 

[modnar]

Do the lights go completely out? Mine dim when you turn the headlights on. Im pretty sure they are supposed to do this so that they are not a bright distraction at night. I'm not 100% sure on this, but maybe you have a dimmer or somthing burnt out so they don't dim but turn off completely. I don't know if this helps you at all, but it's what I got.


modnar

 

[IJ.]

Drew: Check the rheostat control under the dash and make sure it's not fully dimmed.

 

[trydrew]

It might be the dimmer because i remember pullin it out and something seemed wrong. It doesnt work and i thought "Why do i need this when my ligths dont even work?"

So is it the dimmer? :1zhelp: (Or has anyone else had a similar problem?)

And yes, they go completely out.

 

[IJ.]

Rheostats can be tempremental give it a few turns back and forth and see if the lights come on.

 

[trydrew]

Im not too familiar with the term ryeostat, but you mean dimmer switch right?

Even so, I just went out and messed with it.. it didnt work. I did notice that the CC leds (backlit) lit up for a split second when i turned on the headlights...

I also took out the little unit and check the curcuitry. Im no expert with curcuitry but i think that some (what looks like carbon) buildup on one of the parts must be bad. Or is it normal for a 15 year old car?

Thanks, Drew

 

[IJ.]

Got it in one!
Rheostat=dimmer
You could try a light spray of WD40 or CO electrical contact cleaner if you have any then rotate it a bit and see if it works.

There should be a full on position that doesn't use the dimmer section so they should come on there.

If not it's time to start checking fuses and relays.

 

[Jeff Lange]

That sounds exactly like either a bad dimmer switch (rheostat) or an unplugged one. I've forgotten to plug it back in before once or twice with the same result, haha.

 

[IJ.]

LMAO Jeff don't ya HATE that!
(I did the same thing with the AFM a few times)

 

[Suprastic]

I'll make note of that when I reassmeble my interior to prevent another thread.

 

[trydrew]

Ill try wd-40 if it is safe on curcuitry...? Otherwise its off to other means, like maybe a "new" one.

Would it have anything to do with the car being swapped to a 5-spd. I noticed on my dads corolla that the rheostat effects the auto shifter postion lights too. Maybe there is a broken conection?

I hate soundin' so desperate and obnoxious, but im just bored.

Drew

 

[shaeff]

That sounds exactly like either a bad dimmer switch (rheostat) or an unplugged one. I've forgotten to plug it back in before once or twice with the same result, haha.

yeah, i was freakin' out last weekend when i put in my nice perfect gray dash and forgot to hook up the dimmer, and my climate control lights went out when i turned the lights on! boy was i pissed for 48.3 seconds...

seriously though, i was pissed!

-shaeff

 

[trydrew]

I feel like an idiot now...

Simply a blown resistor (R12). If anyone has an old rheostat (vertical design) that they dont need i would appriciate it if you would pm me and let me know.

Thanks, Drew

 

[IJ.]

Drew: LOL good catch !

 

[Satan]

Having similar issues and have swapped in 4 rheostats and checked all the fuses. I'm positive that all of the rheostats aren't bad. The TRSM says there may be a faulty ground somewhere. Since I did reinstall the entire dash and wiring, I guess I could've missed something.... where do I start?

Also... I eventually want to install some reverse indiglo guages anyways, so that would work for the dash cluster/guage lights, but what about for the climate control? Thanx guys!