Hi All

The instrument panel lights on my 94 Favorit don't seem to come on consistently with the headlights.. Most of the time its in totally dark but occasionally the lights come on for short periods of time. Looking at the Haynes I was expecting to see one bulb in a holder which I was assuming had some corrosion or loose terminals. However that seems to be for the earlier models. mine seems to have lots of tiny bulbs in little plastic holders. Some are clearly for the warning lights but I assume the others are for the illumination.   Given that the dash is either lit up or totally dark I assume its not related to bulbs. I found a couple of earth points behind the dash so gave them a clean up but still no joy. I didn't see any obvious signs of damage on the circuit board which the bulbs screw in to. The three multiplugs into the instrument panel also didn't appear damaged. Two of the bulb holders (top left and top right) were missing however

 

Any thoughts on what I should check

Many thanks

Wes

Ok, looks like we might have a culprit.  I noticed the drivers side front sidelight and rear tail light were not on. I assumed bulbs but I was fiddling with the fuseboard and when I looked again both were on. I found the wiring diagram in the Haynes and seems like the dashboard lights take power from the RHS sidelight circuit so seems like there a problem there.  There is some damp under the passenger carpet but its not sodden wet. Fuse panel doesn't appear to be in too bad shape but haven't taken it out to look behind. Guess there could be some damp either on the circuit or rotting a wire.....

Edited 19 May, 20197 yr by wesacosa

It would help if you fill in your profile the year and model of your Favorit. See my profile as example.

There are different schematics.

Edited 19 May, 20197 yr by RicardoM

Ah ok didn't realise there was stuff to fill in. Will take a look.  Instrument panel now lit up so suspect my inclination was right. Will take fuse panel apart for full inspection and clean up and hope that does the trick. Looks like there are plenty of topics on the forum about the potential sources of water ingress!

I have marked in red the wiring (connectors and fuse holder too) you need to check for continuity.

 

 

wow that's a much more detailed diagram than I have. Many thanks for taking the time to mark it up and upload for me

 

You're welcome. Please read my signature.

 

PS

If nothing wrong with the marked wiring is found, extend the diagnose to the blue marked wiring that goes up to side lights switch.

Both red and blue circuits have portions of wiring inside fuse box. You should also check if side lights are on when instrument panel lights go off randomly.

 

Edited 20 May, 20197 yr by RicardoM

Thanks Ricardo. I believe the right hand side (not left) sidelights do go out at same time as instrument panel lights

The schematic is for RHD Favorit. It is possible there are some mirrored circuits for the UK Favorits.