Dash lights not working

[Mikewazowski]

So the dash lights in the 810 wagon have been working intermittantly for a while now. All the lights (speedo, clock, etc) are currently not working.
The first time they cut out I thought it was a fuse since the "common" fuse looked knackered so I replaced it and that seemed to do the trick.
However, then it happened again. This time I checked the fuse again, which looked fine, but then when I put the fuse back in and started it up the dash lights started working again.
The third (and current) time that it happened I tried taking the fuse out and replacing it but that did nothing.

I'm not really sure where to begin looking for the source of the problem since it doesn't look like it is fuse-related. Any ideas?

[gingofthesouth]

So the dash lights in the 810 wagon have been working intermittantly for a while now. All the lights (speedo, clock, etc) are currently not working.
The first time they cut out I thought it was a fuse since the "common" fuse looked knackered so I replaced it and that seemed to do the trick.
However, then it happened again. This time I checked the fuse again, which looked fine, but then when I put the fuse back in and started it up the dash lights started working again.
The third (and current) time that it happened I tried taking the fuse out and replacing it but that did nothing.

I'm not really sure where to begin looking for the source of the problem since it doesn't look like it is fuse-related. Any ideas?

Dodgy fuse box?

[crustywhip]

Be a dirty connection, Buy a can of contact cleaner and re check the grounds. Follow the water path. Piece of piss.

[Mikewazowski]

Be a dirty connection, Buy a can of contact cleaner and re check the grounds. Follow the water path. Piece of piss.

These grounds would come out of the dash and attach to the body I guess? What do you mean by water path?
I shall investigate at the next opportunity. Cheers.

[crustywhip]

electronics are a funny thing. Start with the basics as 9/10 times its easy. Trace the loom that feeds the dash and clean any wires that ground. Have your ignition on while checking things as this will help in finding the problem. Water path means look for any leaks that may have found their way onto plugs, connections etc. 'Contact cleaner' spray is good for any corrosion in plugs etc.

Hope this helps as I know every one has there own theories on this stuff but there also hasnt been much that has beaten me.

Also, add some extra grounds off the battery etc. Not only do they look cool, they do help and are cheap to make or buy.

How many does your 180b have? Make sure they are clean.

[brocky41]

hey dude also check wiring on the fire wall behind the wiper motor as it had a large hole there when we had it that would have been repaired (i hope) before you got it - there would have been water leaking into the car around there.

[Mikewazowski]

Cheers for the advice guys. Hopefully I will get time tomorrow morning to have a play with the wiring and see what happens.

[Mikewazowski]

Had a look at this in the weekend, searched all under the dash and unplugged/plugged heaps of stuff but nothing seemed dodgy. Looked in the engine bay and the earth that goes from the alternator to the body wasn't attached very well. So I screwed that into the body good and tight.
Now the dash lights are working
I haven't had a chance to look at a wiring diagram but I figure either:
- the alternator ground is connected through the alternator warning light signal to the dash lights and is a common ground.
- I moved something else in my fumbling around which caused it to work.

Either way that is a win

[nick_m]

yeah all sorts of dodginess happens with bad earths. I brought a car that kept "over heating" Drove me made till I realised it wasn't actually overheating the gauge was just reading that it was getting hot. Put an extra earth strap between the gearbox and body and no more "over heating" haha