Dashboard switch access

[Ozbrick]

Hi guys,
I want to check the dashboard lighting switch as I think that's the reason my dash lighting (behind speedo/tachometer) doesn't work. How do I get to it?? The switch is lit but the dash light function doesn't work.

Cheers,
Rob

[MJ]

What switch? Do you mean the dimmer dial thing? You have tried turning it both ways to make sure the dash lights aren't just set really dim? I'm sure I'm just pointing out the obvious, but worth checking

[Ozbrick]

No it's a switch under the headlight switch that turns the speedo/tacho lights on. It's pitch dark at night, not even a slight flicker.

[MJ]

Hmm, maybe this is a regional variation, if not there is a dimmer switch, but no way of switching the dash lights on or off, they come on automatically when the headlights or sidelights (I think when sidelights are on, can't remember!) are on:?

I presume by headlight switch, you mean the dial that switches between headlights and sidelights off, sidelights on and headlights on.

Underneath that is normally a rocker switch for heated rear window (do all 300's have that?)

Underneath that is a rocker switch for rear fog lights.

And underneath that is a dimmer switch wheel thingy that alters the brightness of the dash lights.

[Chris_C]

Mk2's had a switch, not a dimmer I seem to remember MJ. If you pull off the cowling underneath the ignition barrel, you should be able to reach up and push that switch out Oz.

[MJ]

Ooop's, my bad

[Ozbrick]

Mk2's had a switch, not a dimmer I seem to remember MJ. If you pull off the cowling underneath the ignition barrel, you should be able to reach up and push that switch out Oz.

Thanks chief!!!

[Ronnie]

Yeah, on my Mk2 the switch is dim or bright - not on or off - so it might be that your dash bulbs are shot rather than the dimmer switch being at fault. They're easy to change. Just pull the steering wheel, pull the dash, disconnect speedo and instrument multiplugs and it's in your hand.

[pettaw]

yeah, the switch on Mk2s are dim or bright as Ronnie says, I'd say its a dodgy connection in one or other multiplug. Give them a good wiggle whilst the lights are on and I bet you'll see them go dim and bright.

Removing the dash and a good spray of contact cleaner is normally all that's needed to restore normal operation.

[foggyjames]

If they're completely dead, it might also be a dodgy connection somewhere....or even a wire which has detached itself? Nessy had very "selective" dash lighting when I first picked it up, and it turns out that it was all simply unplugged!

cheers

James

[Ozbrick]

Pulled the multiplugs out and they were dirty. Looked at the bulb and it had burnt out and fried the wires!! Resoldered it and beefed up the insulation and it's all sweet now!!

Oh and by the way the switch is a dimmer...