loss of dashboard lights

[paul reade]

Took the 986 3.2s , 2004 model with 34kmls out yesterday. Dashboard lighting failed whilst out as did the rear number plate lights. All other lights ok.
Had a good look over today and noticed that if I take the 2 bulbs out of the rear numberplate light holders the dashboard lights reappear ?????.
The fuse is obviously ok, the bulbs are not blown albeit they are slightly blackened, and having stripped out all the rear boot all seems ok. If I return the bulbs to the holders the lights on the dash fail and the lights on noise ceases to sound ????.
I have 12v at the number plate light holder and I cannot think what has occurred to cause the problem. The problem happened over the days drive with intermittent dash lights coming on then going off. Not sure what the other wire (brown) - grey has 12v, on is connected to - is it the chassis as I have a very low ohm's reading but it does not appear to be a direct short.
I am based in the north west and can take it to an auto electrician if anyone wants to recommend one to me.



Hope someone can throw some light on the problem (parden the pun).
regards
Paul R

 

[mic]

Hi, I would check the earth point for the number plate lights i.e on the other side of the bulb holders, an then the dask light earth point.

Regards

 

[paul reade]

Thanks for that - I assume the ground point for NPL is in the boot behind the rear black boot liner on the rear wall - I think I have seen 2 of them connected directly to the bulkhead fed with brown wire ?.
On the ground point for the dash lights - do you know where I can locate that and is it accessible without removing dash ?
Look fwd to reply.
regards
Paul R

 

[Nick_USA]

ORIGINAL: paul reade

Thanks for that - I assume the ground point for NPL is in the boot behind the rear black boot liner on the rear wall - I think I have seen 2 of them connected directly to the bulkhead fed with brown wire ?.
On the ground point for the dash lights - do you know where I can locate that and is it accessible without removing dash ?
Look fwd to reply.
regards
Paul R

The earth for the dash lights etc is directly behind the instrument cluster.

 

[MARK H.]

Help!!.......I have this EXACT same problem.....although today the dash won't illuminate at all and the number plate lights are both very dim.
How was this resolved?
Any help with this would be very appreciated.

 

[MARK H.]

UPDATE: My problem has turned out to be a faulty Light Switch.
Part ordered and will be fitted this week by a friend.
Just thought someone might want to know at some point!