When the dashboard lights in your vehicle cease to work or malfunction, the results can range from being so annoying get more distress. Locating the matter and finding a remedy is significant. Let’s get started. How to fix my dashboard lights?
Begin with inspecting the dashboard dimmer switch to work out if it had been turned down or off. Fortunately, all three problems are relatively easy to repair. If the switch, fuses, and bulbs aren’t responsible, you likely have a wiring or electrical issue and should take your vehicle to a licensed mechanic for diagnosis and repairs.
Table of Contents
Why Are My Dashboard Lights Not Working?
Here are the three different problems and solutions discussed for Fixing dashboard lights.
1. Checking The Dimmer Switch
Turn your vehicle and headlights on. You don’t get to start your car, but you would like the facility to run to the lights. Put the key within the ignition and switch it to the accessory position. Then, activate your headlights.
Locate the dimmer switch for your lights. Find the control switch, dial, or knob, usually located on the console near the steering column or a part of the headlight switch. If you’ve trouble finding the dashboard light control switch, ask the owner’s manual for further assistance.
Adjust the dial or knob to ascertain if that fixes the matter. If the switch was bumped accidentally, your dashboard lights might be turned off. Flip the button or turn the dial and see if the lights on your dash come on or get brighter. If adjusting the switch doesn’t work, you’ll have a blown fuse or a nasty lightbulb. Or, the entire switch could even be faulty, during which case.
2. Fixing A Blown Fuse:
The fuse box location can vary between vehicles, and a few have quite one fuse box. Check under the engine bay, under the dashboard, or near within the dashboard base compartment. Once you discover the fuse box or boxes, remove the lid and check the diagram on the underside of the duvet for fuse labels.
Use a fuse puller to get rid of the fuse that powers the dashboard lights. Check out the metal strip to ascertain if it’s broken and check for blackening on the fuse. Take the blown fuse to the auto parts store and choose a replacement or an equivalent type and amperage rating.
This information is printed on the fuse itself, and fuses also are numbered and color-coded to form this easier. Once you return home, press the replacement fuse into the right fuse slot until you hear it click. A blown fuse was the problem in my car, and here is how to fix my dashboard lights.
3. Replacing The Dash Lightbulbs:
Disconnect the vehicle’s battery first. Whenever you’re working on the electrical components in your car, it’s essential to disconnect the battery to prevent electrical shocks or shorts.
1. Remove The Dashboard Trim:
The process for removing the frame varies between vehicles. Generally, you’ll begin by removing the rock bottom trim panel and dealing with your high. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding each trim piece in place, then pull the trim away from the dash. On some vehicles, you’ll need to remove the radio to access the frame.
2. Cluster Faceplate:
The faceplate covers your vehicle’s dashboard gauge panel. Disconnect the switches, controls, and cables on the back of the faceplate by pressing in the release tabs, then lift the faceplate out of the dash. The faceplate is secured with spring-clip fasteners, which should disengage fairly easily.
3. Remove The Lightbulbs:
Carefully twist each bulb counterclockwise and pull it out of the socket. To prevent breaking the glass, be careful not to turn or remove the bulb too hard. Use a small screwdriver to pry out the bulbs if you cannot remove them by hand.
Older vehicles have standard bulbs, but newer vehicles use LEDs to light the dash. Unfortunately, if your car has LED bulbs, you won’t be able to replace them yourself. Take your vehicle to a fix-it shop to urge the whole control panel replaced.
4. Replace The Lightbulbs:
Pick up some replacement bulbs at your local auto parts store, making sure that they check the electrical rating and size of the old bulbs. Avoid touching the new bulbs together with your hands because the oil can damage them. Reverse the order of the steps you took to get rid of these components. Replace the faceplate and reattach the trim. Then reconnect the positive battery terminal before reconnecting the negative battery terminal.
How To Fix Dashboard Lights?
Here is the solution to how to fix my dashboard lights.
- Turn off your headlights and vehicle when you’re done. If you have more than one fuse labeled “lights,” you’ll need to check them all. If you don’t have a fuse puller, you’ll use a pair of needle-nose pliers to get rid of the fuse.
- Ensure your vehicle is off and the key is out of the ignition before pulling any fuses. Replace the fuse box cover, then activate your car and headlights to ascertain if the dashboard lights are working.
- Note that employing a fuse with a special amperage could create an electrical hazard. Bad light bulbs have to be replaced by a certified mechanic.
- Refer to your factory manual or search for a diagram for your specific make and model online for replacing and removing the frame and other components.
- Be sure to keep track of all the screws and set them aside in a safe place so you can replace them when you’re done.
- Avoid using a screwdriver to pry up the faceplate, as it can easily mark or damage the dash.
- Wear gloves or cover your fingers with a rag and twist the new bulbs into place. It’s best to simultaneously replace all lightbulbs, even if some of them are working properly. This can prevent you from having to pan the dash again within the future if another bulb goes out.
Conclusion
Possibly this is the procedure and How to fix my dashboard lights on your own. I hope this article made ease with your problem. Share your automobile problems in the comment section, and we will help you out.