Hi I have a 2002 octavia vrs and trying to find out if anyone else has had this problem. Recently my dials and anything else back lit have been playing up started off as a intermittent problem mainly when the weather was warm but now seems to not work full stop so driving at night is impossible as can't see my speedo. I have checked the fuses at the end of the dash and have now also stripped out the lower section of dash on the drivers side to gain access to the fuse box there but my skoda parts dealer don't seem to know what I'm on about and have also tried another switch from another car and problem persist and my switch worked on the other car. Running out of ideas if anyone has had this issue or know something I don't feel free to share many thanks

First of all, try changing the intensity and see if remains stable. If it does, then the rheostat is faulty.

It could be the 'lighting amplifier' which is on the relay plate. Take a look at http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/177453-leaking-rear-washer-pipe-might-have-caused-electrical-damage/#entry2138657

I've had this problem, pull the illumination dial out and make sure it is still connected at the back...octavias are wired so you lose all the internal illumination if the connection comes apart on the dimmer.

Hope that helps.

I have tried all of the suggestions above and have still got the same problem have really come to a dead end now it just easier to torch it?

I have tried all of the suggestions above and have still got the same problem have really come to a dead end now it just easier to torch it?

Are you saying the problem still exists with a new lighting amplifier?

its a simple electrical fault, first off you need a volt meter to see what is actually happening before and after the intensity control dial.

I changed the module under the drivers side dash and there was no change still does nothing to illuminate dash. I noticed when under there though a box higher up held on to the frame work under the dash held by two small bolts and was wondering if that is to do with the lighting in some way any ideas? And with the volt meter I'm unsure where to start as my vehicle electronics skills are how shall we say none existent

I changed the module under the drivers side dash and there was no change still does nothing to illuminate dash. I noticed when under there though a box higher up held on to the frame work under the dash held by two small bolts and was wondering if that is to do with the lighting in some way any ideas? And with the volt meter I'm unsure where to start as my vehicle electronics skills are how shall we say none existent

The circuit is very simple...

The power for the lighting amplifier and rheostat module (dimmer) comes from the light switch via fuse F3

The rheostat output feeds the input to the lighting amplifier and directly to some of the backlighting

Does the rheostat have 12V between pins 1 and 3 when the sidelights are on?

Does the rheostat light up?

Does it make a difference if you unplug the lighting amplifier?

What you saw on the little shelf is the CCU (Central Convenience Unit). This controls the interior lights but has no link to the backlighting.

Right when you say dimmer I'm guessing that is the little roller switch to the left of the light main light switch? And where is the lighting amp located?

Right when you say dimmer I'm guessing that is the little roller switch to the left of the light main light switch? And where is the lighting amp located?

Dimmer: yes the roller to left of the headlight switch

Try following the link in post 2 for the location of the lighting amp.

Looking at link 2 that is the part I have replaced for a new part

If you have tried a new dial (and your dial worked on another car) and changed the lighting amp, and checked all the fuses then that suggests you must have a wiring fault.

I have replaced said unit and the switch and dimmer in another vehicle and worked as should checked all fuses in the end of the dash and still found nothing a guy I use at a garage is a ex skoda master tech and said he has replaced dash boards for similar faults that is a very very last resort for me

Silly question, but is the earth connection on top of the steering column bracket fully intact?.

If I am honest no i haven't checked that at all school boy error there. Do I just need to take the lower section of dash to get to that or the column covers?

If you apply a +12v feed to the output side of the lighting amp do all the necessary dash lamps light up?

I haven't tried this either wouldn't know where to start or have a 12v charge to try

I haven't tried this either wouldn't know where to start or have a 12v charge to try

If you look at the picture linked in the second post, there are a number of nuts under the 'relay' panel, a couple of them will offer you +12vdc. Check with a multimeter and then use a short length of wire (ideally with a fuse in it). You will need to check in a haynes manual or (google) for which pin on the lighting amplifier then drives the dash lights, and with the 'relay' removed stick the +12v down there....

However if this sound rather complicated, or you feel wary about this it might be time to admit defeat.... :-(

If I am honest no i haven't checked that at all school boy error there. Do I just need to take the lower section of dash to get to that or the column covers?

This is a thread form rwbaldwin with a good piccy for what to look for, yes you do need to drop the pedal cover. - http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/182795-best-place-to-take-switched-live-feed-from-for-electric-seats/page__p__2197551#entry2197551

Is there any other earth straps within the cabin area that may help with this? as actually going to pull my thumb from my arse this weekend to try figure it out