Hello,

 

I was driving my Octavia mk1 FL (2003) today in the city, and from one moment to another the cluster backlights stopped working. I noticed that at the same time the window lifter backlights, the side view mirror switch backlight, the rear window heater switch backlight, and the tank door opener switch backlight stopped working. But, the radio and the climate manual controls backlight are still functioning. The cluster is working, showing rpm, clock, everything, just no backlights.

Fuses are ok, luggage lights, interior lights, all outside lights and cig lighter are working.

I noticed that one of the headlight switch connector cables is burnt and oxidated a little bit.

 

What can cause the problem?

 

Thank you.

Well theres your problem..

 

The cable is just old and has corroded, leading to it likely shorting out. 

Pull the cable, trim it back and reconnect to the plug pin. See if that works after checking the fuses.