I have a gremlin that likes to mess with me...

[Smurfette]

So I have this electrical gremlin that really likes screwing with me. For about 2 weeks now ive been running with just high beams, as they were the only thing that worked. No low beams, and no dash lights at all. except turn signal lights and high beam indicator. They worked. Today I decided to figure it out, went out and turned on the lights, and sure enough everything was working perfect. I didnt touch a thing. Anyone know why this is happening? I am 99% sure that its not a loose connection because last month i took the dash off and thoroughly cleaned and securely seated every connection that I could find.

 

[Rippin]

I posted that btw, didnt realize I was on my fiances account

 

[Cheepjeep85]

Sounds alot like a bad switch either on/off or dimmer. They can do some funny stuff when they start going out. Sometimes they work right sometimes not, the dimmer switch not grounding does weird stuff too. But seeing as the dash lights are affected id suspect the on/off switch

Sent from my DROID2

 

[CJim7]

So I have this electrical gremlin that really likes screwing with me. For about 2 weeks now ive been running with just high beams, as they were the only thing that worked. No low beams, and no dash lights at all. except turn signal lights and high beam indicator. They worked. Today I decided to figure it out, went out and turned on the lights, and sure enough everything was working perfect. I didnt touch a thing. Anyone know why this is happening? I am 99% sure that its not a loose connection because last month i took the dash off and thoroughly cleaned and securely seated every connection that I could find.

Typically, if the hi/lo beam switch (on the floor) goes bad, you will lose your low beams when you go to switch from high to low. Complete black-out, it's happened to me a few times. Replacing the switch cured it.

Losing your dashlights except for the signal lights and beam indicator is almost always the dash knob/switch. The mechanism inside that adjusts the brightness level wears out and eventually quits all together. However, the fuse that controls that has been problematic for me in the past. It's comical trying to drive down the road while reaching down to the fuse panel to wiggle the fuse.

Check your fuse first

 

[Rippin]

but they both quit working at the same time, and are now working again at the same time. I guess maybe its time to take the fuse box apart and clean everything in there? i suspected the hi/low switch as well, but the dash lights part threw me off. And now them both working again at the same time confused me even more

 

[CJim7]

I posted that btw, didnt realize I was on my fiances account

Well then I take back everything I said

Just kidding. Check the floor switch, fuse, and dash knob. That should solve your problem(s).

 

[CJim7]

but they both quit working at the same time, and are now working again at the same time. I guess maybe its time to take the fuse box apart and clean everything in there? i suspected the hi/low switch as well, but the dash lights part threw me off. And now them both working again at the same time confused me even more

That is kind of odd. Usually, those problems are pretty specific: (blackout= floor switch...dash lights= fuse or dash knob) Haven't seen them related to each other before. Definately start with the fuses. That's probably where your problem lies.

 

[bladeburner]

Spray electronic cleaner in both dimmer switch and light switch on dash and work them for a while and see if that works. It did for me.

 

[BusaDave9]

CJim7 has a good point

That is kind of odd. Usually, those problems are pretty specific: (blackout= floor switch...dash lights= fuse or dash knob) Haven't seen them related to each other before.

but they both quit working at the same time, and are now working again at the same time.

My vote goes for the light switch on the dash.
Maybe you just have an intermittent connection or a flaky switch. Could it be that sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Maybe it isn't just an issue with the low beams and the dash lights. Maybe lights go out until you fiddle with the switches and it starts working.



light switch on the dash