Cluster back light

[danworth]

My Cluster back light when out tonight and isn't coming back on...

is there a fuse for this?
Every thing else in the cluster works fine...

[danworth]

I've just seen a picture of the back of the cluster and there doesn't appear to be a fuse...

it leaves either the bulbs or the cluster dimmer control

[cavey]

I've had this happen to me too. At first I had 0-clue about the dimmer...

Anyways, sometimes the connection just goes borken, I've read on this forum (I think some posts by either Ivan or DJexor) that they just tap on the light switch a bit, and then the cluster lights go on again.

Otherwise, I'm very interested in knowing how to change the lightbulbs ^_^ (but if both (or more?) are out, chances are more that it is a faulty connection somewhere, I'm inclined to check the dimmer control for that).

[banpei]

You can only change the lightbulbs by removing the whole cluster for which you need to remove both switches, steering wheel and the panel around the steering wheel. Then you can remove the black surrounding to get to the cluster.

Best to check the switch then as well. You can find in the body repairmanual how to check the switch not being faulty.

[danworth]

I guees it is basically a variable resistor, and should be able to test with a multimeter...

I started stripping the dash out (11 o'clock last night) an thought surely there's a fuse and put it back together... I'll start earlier tonight so i have some day light...

[eight-six]

Dan, FYI some 86's had a dash dimmer control, which is adjusted by the ring that goes around the headlight control - maybe you have one and have alterered it by mistake without knowing? Try tweking the ring and see if anything happens?

If not then its probably a bulb.

[danworth]

eight-six Wrote:Dan, FYI some 86's had a dash dimmer control, which is adjusted by the ring that goes around the headlight control - maybe you have one and have alterered it by mistake without knowing? Try tweking the ring and see if anything happens?

If not then its probably a bulb.

Quote:I've just seen a picture of the back of the cluster and there doesn't appear to be a fuse...

it leaves either the bulbs or the cluster dimmer control...

I know about the control, my car does has the control, but adjusting it make no difference..

[danworth]

Ok a bit weird...

Went to the car today and the cluster light is working...

must be a dodgy connection...

[banpei]

I see more often these switches fail. Must be due to them being 25 years old...

[DJexor]

cavey Wrote:Anyways, sometimes the connection just goes borken, I've read on this forum (I think some posts by either Ivan or DJexor) that they just tap on the light switch a bit, and then the cluster lights go on again.

I just slap my dashbord and say "you evil car, how dare you" and then it pops on again