Instrument Cluster Lights

[bolokid]

With the exception of a new antenna the Little Festie is ready for the drive to Madness or so I thought. This morning it was 40 degrees so my wife went out and started the Festiva so it would be warmed up when I left to go to the gym. I hopped in, turned on the lights and no instrument cluster lights. The back light on the a/c heater control is working as well as the tail lights. When I got to the gym I noticed that the light buzzer is just barely making a very faint humming noise.

Anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks.

[bravekozak]

Bypass the dimmer switch and report back.

[bolokid]

Bypass the dimmer switch and report back.

Will try it on my lunch break.

[1990new]

Looks like fall weather came right on time for you this year. I'm looking forward to it getting here before too long.
Add your Year and Model to your signature so we wont have to ask. Instrument lights can be different based on the year and model... and lots of other parts too.

Not saying this is your problem, but have you had the wires that connect to the back of your instrument panel out lately? Several years ago when I replaced the speedometer cable
in my 1990 LPlus, I had a similar problem. Turns out I didn't have the connection firmly locked in.

[navdoc101]

Take the Cluster out & clean the pegs that the wires plug into with sandpaper.
It worked with mine.

[bolokid]

Looks like fall weather came right on time for you this year. I'm looking forward to it getting here before too long.
Add your Year and Model to your signature so we wont have to ask. Instrument lights can be different based on the year and model... and lots of other parts too.

Not saying this is your problem, but have you had the wires that connect to the back of your instrument panel out lately? Several years ago when I replaced the speedometer cable
in my 1990 LPlus, I had a similar problem. Turns out I didn't have the connection firmly locked in.

The car is a 91. I did replace the speedometer cable/housing last weekend. When I get home tonight I will pull the cluster, check that I have the plugs locked in and while it is out I'll clean the pegs.

I will keep you posted.

[sc72]

During the winter months here in Iowa my dash lights don't come on till the cabin is warm.

[bolokid]

Looks like fall weather came right on time for you this year. I'm looking forward to it getting here before too long.
Add your Year and Model to your signature so we wont have to ask. Instrument lights can be different based on the year and model... and lots of other parts too.

Not saying this is your problem, but have you had the wires that connect to the back of your instrument panel out lately? Several years ago when I replaced the speedometer cable
in my 1990 LPlus, I had a similar problem. Turns out I didn't have the connection firmly locked in.

I swapped out the dimmer knob and same problem yesterday morning. I pulled the cluster and sure enough I didn't have the plug pushed in far enough to click the lock. Its now fixed. Thanks.

[1990new]

Having owned Festivas since 1990 when I bought my first one new, I've made lots of mistakes and learned from them over that 25 year period.

Glad to hear that my mistake helped you learn too...