Dash Lights Woes

[Ash J]

Have a slight problem with the dash lights on a Mk2 I am purchasing.

When headlights are turned on, none of the lights on clocks are working, so I can't see what speed I would be doing at night! Tried the dimmer etc but not that. As far as I remember all the lights on switches/heater panel are working and do brighten up etc with the dimmer.

The current owner did take out the immobiliser from the car, perhaps cut some wires to remove it, and apparently since then the lights for the clocks have never worked.

Is this a case of needing new bulbs or something to do with the wiring you think, seems a bit of a coincidence?!

Had another look and it looks as though the bulb for the petrol gauge at bottom right of clocks works (I think) but none of the others do.

Appreciate any help!

Ash

[dragonfly]

Quite common for the dash bulbs to blow.  There are three - 2 behind the clocks and one in the middle for the MFA.  To replace you need to remove the stereo and switches. There are various screws (2 above the clock binnacle, 2 behind the heater panel and I think one behind a switch), once the plastic dash housing has been removed you will see 2 screws holding the clocks. The clocks will then tilt forward enough to get you hand in, you may need to unclip the speedo cable for extra space.  The bulbs twist and lock into place. Removing the lower dash storage will help if you drop any screws and make re-attaching the speedo cable easier.

Bulbs are still available or upgrade to LED versions.  If you go down the LED route check they work before re-assembling as the polarity works one way.

[pigbladder]

prob just needs bulbs...but its a bit suspect if it stopped after the owner has been tinkering

[Mark 2 Mark]

Mine are always blowing, however the MFA one doesn't work, even with a new bulb :-( I'm guessing it's a problem with the circuit board, does anyone think putiting a LED in would work?

[dragonfly]

Mine are always blowing, however the MFA one doesn't work, even with a new bulb :-( I'm guessing it's a problem with the circuit board, does anyone think putiting a LED in would work?

If a new bulb doesn't work a LED won't make any difference. 

The spread of light from a LED can also be more focused and intense.

[Ash J]

All sorted, bulbs had all blown 

Just seemed strange they stopped working when previous owner was fiddling with electrics, but thanks for suggestions guys.