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Instrument Cluster Lights Out

gonzosquidgy

New member
Hi, my wife has informed me tonight that her instrument lights are out on her 986 Boxster. I have checked the illumination knob at the top left (odometer zero trip) and not coming on. I have checked the fuses and noticed that fuse A5 is the one in question which also controls the rear number plate light. The fuse seemed ok but I double checked the number plate and that, too was out. I changed the fuse anyway but neither of them light up. Is there an additional fuse I don't know of please?? John
 
By now you've probably had a look at the following but if not.

Check the bulbs and bulb holders for damp/corrosion, next check the earth on the no plate lights and check if you have 12v power actually getting to them if you can.

If no power check the switch on the dash.

I'm taking it that the other lights are working ok? Signals, side lights, brake lights and heads.

 
Strangely enough the lights are back on again today. I have just been out for a drive and found that sometimes, when switching on the headlights, the instrument lights seem to have a delay before they come on. Also sitchewd them off and back on again and they didn't come on but, on driving off, they did !! Obviously a bad connection somewhere, but where do I start looking??
 
I'd suggest you check the operation and connections on the light switch, check if the number plate light and instro' have their own output from the switch.

It's possible that you have poor a contact inside the switch or on the output connection.
 
This is definately the lightswitch, the dash lights and rear number plate light will go out more frequently as time goes by, you can test this switch - When the lights are turned on and the dash lights remain out simply pull the switch out to the fog light on position - then give the switch a good slap with your hand to push the switch back in - so fog lights off - this will restore the dash lights and conclusivly prove the switch is the fault.

This is a common fault - though if your handy with a screwdriver you can take the switch out and take it apart - just a few metal indents to prise out to seperate the switch - Inside the switch is just a series of bent copper connections - no springs or bits to fall out - just clean the copper connectors - a bit of vaseline and reassemble - job done
 
I had this very issue. New light switch fitted and all sorted. There is obviously a problem with these items. Never had a problem with any other car i've owned but ive had to have a new light switch after only 17,000 miles.
The main thing is to know,....so that you don't get told you need a new dashboard!!
 
Not got round to doing this as wifey had forgotten to remind me (she drives it daily - I merely keep it running!!). Apparently still doing it (dashboard lights not always illuminating). I will strip down the headlight switch next weekend but I did notice last night that the rear number plate lights (on same circuit I believe) looked very dim. Could these be causing the problem or is this a result of faulty switch? Cheers, John
 
ORIGINAL: gonzosquidgy

Not got round to doing this as wifey had forgotten to remind me (she drives it daily - I merely keep it running!!). Apparently still doing it (dashboard lights not always illuminating). I will strip down the headlight switch next weekend but I did notice last night that the rear number plate lights (on same circuit I believe) looked very dim. Could these be causing the problem or is this a result of faulty switch? Cheers, John
?????
 

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