given my lack of electrical knowledge, can anyone solve the problem of why my dashboard bulbs won't light? curiously they work fine when the headlight switch is depressed but the engine is not on, but turn off once the ignition is turned (the headlights stay on okay)... the first thing I checked was the fuses, nothing gone there, then had a look to see if I could spot any short circuits, especially between the ignition wires and the headlights ? but I couldn't see anything... I bought a new battery recently, with more cranking amps than the last one ? would that make any difference? much obliged if anyone has a solution or a list of places to check for problems... I have a 1982 air-cooled T25 if that makes any difference... thanks in advance Chris P.S. about to send the van for an MOT soon ? is this something that it would fail on?
electrics problem with dashboard lights
May 25, 2004
1 Replies
Post to this newsgroup for MOT info: uk.rec.cars.vw.aircooled (UK)
The dash lights (the ones that illuminate the speedo, etc.) are fed from the circuit for the parking lights, so if the park lights work, the dash lights should work.
(It doesn't sound like a problem with the dimmer control on the headlight switch.)
The fact that the dash lights go off when the key is turned On, makes me suspect that it is a problem with the Earth (ground) connection for the dash lamps.
As an experiment, maybe connect a short piece of wire from chassis earth to the speedo housing to see if that solves it. Speedy Jim
formatting link
Join the Discussion
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Didn't find your answer?
Ask the community — no account required