Since you guys (and girls) are all so smart I figured I'll ask a second question. I have a 99 Chevy Cavalier RS. About a year ago the instrument lights for the thermostat and the radio started to dim. Since that time the lights on the radio and thermostat have started to go out.
The lights for the dials (temp control and air flow?) don't work at all any more. There is a separate button for AC and that light will go on as will the light for the defrost button.
On the radio most of the lights for the presets are out but the digital clock still works as does the little LED looking light for the theft deterrent.
I've tried checking the fuses inside the car and they look fine. Might I be missing something or do I need a new radio and instrument panel if I decide I don't want to put up with the annoyance? Any ideas on the cost of the labor for something like this?
Thank you for your answers!
2007-01-05 07:51:20 · 5 answers · asked by 10-96 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Sorry, forgot to mention that the dimmer dial is fine. The interior lights and the main instrument panel all have functioning lights. The only problem appears to be with the lights on the thermostat and radio.
2007-01-05 08:15:25 · update #1
BULBS And the bulbs for the radio can be replaced too
2007-01-05 16:03:44 · answer #1 · answered by michael k 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That doesn't mean the dimmer switch is good. If the lights that stay bright work, but the ones that you're suppose to be able to adjust the brightness on don't, it is the dimmer. The part of the switch that turns the lights on is different than the part that dims them.
2007-01-05 09:12:33 · answer #2 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ug. Electrical problems. I hate them! Especially in cars!
This problem could be many things. At first glance to your problem I would check your wiring running to your dashboard. Check to see if the wiring has been melted by any hot sources that you can see. Or just check to make sure the wires are still in one piece.
Replacing your instrument panel is rediculously time consuming (and quite difficult). If you have an ohm meter, you may want to check your wiring that way.
My second recomendation is getting a mechanic to check it out. Try to cut a deal with him that if he can't find the problem you don't pay him. There are so many electrical items in the loop in modern cars it might be really difficult to finding the exact source and you don't want to pay a mech for nothing.
I hope you are able to find out what the problem is and I hope this advice points you in the right direction. Best of luck.
2007-01-05 08:04:50 · answer #3 · answered by Drew P 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
did you check the dimming dial on the headlight switch? There is a dial to dim the dash lights
2007-01-05 07:54:21 · answer #4 · answered by Mr. Superman 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with "wrenchman"
Check your dimmer switch.
2007-01-05 08:11:46 · answer #5 · answered by Mr. KnowItAll 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋