Flickering Dash And Headlights With Engine On

I am being told there is a "light control," believed to be slim and silver, located (somehow) behind the glove box that could be going out. But where the glove box would customarily be I can see only air bag. Anyone know what this part is (part #, too; so far I can't find that) and/or where it would be?

I'm talking about my 1994 Saab 9000 CS Turbo here... By the way--say it's the VR instead; how would I know that, too!

Reply to
Valjean
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Because the dashlights are on all the time, even without the headlights, your 9000 might be suffering from a different problem than the ones you suggested. I remember hearing about an issue with the main electrical feed to the fusebox. There is a very thick cable from the battery that is connected to the fuse panel by a bolt and nut. In some circumstances, the bolt and nut can come lose, causing a poor connection.

This isn't too difficult to examine and tighten - although my experience is in a 9000 without the passenger airbag (around here, I believe cars of your vintage would have one; maybe yours doesn't). I simply took out the glove compartment by removing the compartment door and several torx screws that held it in place. The fuse panel comes out after removing a couple more screws. The cable to check is red and the thickest wire coming from the bottom of the panel.

The only "light control" would be a relay that is also accessible when the fuse panel is removed because the relay panel is part of the same assembly. If that is the fault, it would definitely affect the headlights, but it wouldn't likely cause a problem with the dash lights.

I hope this helps.

Walt Kienzle

1991 9000T
Reply to
Walt Kienzle

I have a feeling that having an airbag (you're right, this one does, as said) is thwarting a resolution of this.

Reply to
Valjean

I had flickering headlights and flickering dash illumination separately, about a year apart. So it is possible you have two problems, but not necessarily.

Starting with the easiest thing first, I would suggest the following (mostly as already suggested by self and others):

  1. Lighting Switch - pop from dash, remove and replace the connector at the back; squirt of electical contact cleaner.
  2. Dimmer Switch - pop from dash, remove and replace the connector at the back; squirt of electical contact cleaner.
  3. Instrument pod - remove dash lid, then pull and replace all three/four(?) connectors. Take the opportunity to replace any blown instrument illumination lamps while you are there.
  4. Headlamps - ensure wire clips are in good shape and properly fitted; remove units to bench if necessary.
  5. Ignition switch - OK in my experience but suggested by someone else as a likely cause.
  6. Voltage regulator - unlikely in my opinion.
  7. Other wiring/connectors/components.

You must try (1) and (2) first. I recall there was a nack to coaxing the switch & rheostat from the dash but can't remember the details. Are there a couple of pinch-barbs round the back of each? Anyone?

(1) - (4) are things that I've done in the past to help recover my lighting. They are all reasonably simple and will cost little more than your own time.

(1), (2) & (3) were undertaken together, therefore not really possible to say which was the culprit part. They collectively cured my dash flicker. (3) cured my headlight flicker. (5) - (7); just attempting to summarise other people's (no doubt excellent) suggestions.

Reply to
SAABurger

Thank you; I wonder, still, if your flickering occurred whether the engine is on or not. Mine only shows up when mine's running...

three/four(?)

Reply to
Valjean

Valjean, I'm afraid that detail is lost in time. I simply can't recall. Adrian

Reply to
SAABurger

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