[Mk2] [NA] Dials not lighting up.

[Reechard]

I am having some issues with my spedo and rev guages.

They work fine but when I turn my lights on they dont light up.
All warning lights, indicators etc work. The heater controls also light up as they should.

Changed the fuse and still the same.

Thinking its either the bulbs or because my car is an import the dials have been tampered to de-restrict it and not put back in properly.

Anyone have any suggestions what else to check?

[Reechard]

Also noticed that my headlights dim when the wheels are on full lock.

Is that normal?

[Moo]

Take the instrument cluster out and check the bulbs are present and not blown. IIRC there are 4 bulbs that are used for the back lighting, they are in plastic bulb holders which just push and twist into 4 holes on the back of the cluster.

http://www.imoc.co.uk/forums/kb.php?mode=article&k=11

These instructions in the knowledge base tell you how to get the clocks out.

I asusme you have the standard dial faces in there, not speedhut or anything?

Can't help you with the headlights dimming on full lock other than to hazard a guess. I know when you get to full lock you can hear the note of the power steering pump change like it's struggling a bit. It may be trying to draw more power, thus dimming out your lights. Purely a guess though and can't say i've noticed it on my car.

[Reechard]

Thanks for the reply.

Yeah taking it out was my next task, to check the bulbs.

It still has the standard limited dials in, speedo goes to 110mph.

Ok, the lights dimming isnt a problem just wondered if there was a reason for it.

[ryan]

I just replaced my backlghts. They were working, but very dim!!
Turns out the bulds had a blue cover over the bulb?
I replaced with halfords 'advanced' blue 501 5w bulbs (£3 odd for 2) and the difference is fantastic, much whitert, and not blue at all, as I didnt want it clashing with my green heater controls etc

[JohnnyC]

The blue covers over the bulbs are normal.

5W bulbs actually should be VERY bright.

Is yours a UK car?

[Reechard]

Mines an import, not got the limiter on so I am assuming the guy who did it didnt sort the dials out when he put it back together.

Im changing the brakes tomorrow so will take the dash apart and check all the bulbs and connections.

Hopefully will solve it, otherwise im cracking the sat nav out to tell my speed at night.

[ryan]

The blue covers over the bulbs are normal.

5W bulbs actually should be VERY bright.

Is yours a UK car?

Yep its an import with 160mph uk n/a clocks, and no low fuel light it seems