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donrector
Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 6
Location: Los Gatos, CA
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 Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 8:00 pm Post subject: Dash Lights |
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| When I start my 1995 900SE convertible, the dash lights come on as they are suppose to, but within a few seconds they dim to off. I just replaced the dimmer, rheostat, with a used one, and have exactly the same symptom. Does anyone have an idea what is causing this problem? |
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protech5
Site Admin
Joined: 07 Aug 2007
Posts: 1421
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| Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 10:48 am Post subject: Re: Dash Lights |
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| Check the ignition switch |
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donrector
Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 6
Location: Los Gatos, CA
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| Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 1:53 pm Post subject: Re: Dash Lights |
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Please explain further. How do you "check" the ignition switch? Is the switch separate from the key part of the total assembly? How do you release the switch?
Thanks |
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rjm32792
Joined: 01 Jun 2012
Posts: 10
Location: Orlando, FL
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| Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 12:44 pm Post subject: Re: Dash Lights |
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My 1995 900 SE convertible is doing the same thing. When I bang under the rheostat switch, the lights sometimes come back on, but black out again.
Did you ever find a solution? I'd prefer not to buy a new one. |
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donrector
Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 6
Location: Los Gatos, CA
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| Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 4:37 pm Post subject: Re: Dash Lights |
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| The problem is the rheostat. We have Pick'n'Pull here. I went out and pulled one and that did not fix the problem, but it seemed to me that had to be the problem, so I pulled two more and got one that works. I have found out since, the rheostat is a fragile item and frequently causes this problem. BTW, the rheostat pulls straight out from the dash. You might need a little help with a screwdriver to get it started, but it comes straight out. |
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drhiii
Joined: 21 Nov 2012
Posts: 10
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| Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2012 9:16 am Post subject: Re: Dash Lights |
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I have exactly the same problem that just cropped up. When starting the car the dash lights come on but once started they go black.
Where can I find the rheostat to try and replace it? Tx
| donrector wrote: |
| The problem is the rheostat. We have Pick'n'Pull here. I went out and pulled one and that did not fix the problem, but it seemed to me that had to be the problem, so I pulled two more and got one that works. I have found out since, the rheostat is a fragile item and frequently causes this problem. BTW, the rheostat pulls straight out from the dash. You might need a little help with a screwdriver to get it started, but it comes straight out. |
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donrector
Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 6
Location: Los Gatos, CA
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| Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2012 4:23 pm Post subject: Re: Dash Lights |
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| Since posting my issue, I have found the problem is the dash light rheostat. I had tried two used units from a wrecking yard and did not fix the problem. I then figured that is not the problem. Then a friend with a 900 let me swap in his rheostat. The problem was fixed. Also found since that the rheostat is a very weak part and does fail, although mine worked for 17 years. |
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drhiii
Joined: 21 Nov 2012
Posts: 10
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| Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2012 7:10 pm Post subject: Re: Dash Lights |
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| donrector wrote: |
| Since posting my issue, I have found the problem is the dash light rheostat. I had tried two used units from a wrecking yard and did not fix the problem. I then figured that is not the problem. Then a friend with a 900 let me swap in his rheostat. The problem was fixed. Also found since that the rheostat is a very weak part and does fail, although mine worked for 17 years. |
Tx for this reply. I will need to figure out where this is located now.
tx |
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drhiii
Joined: 21 Nov 2012
Posts: 10
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| Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2012 7:13 pm Post subject: Re: Dash Lights |
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| donrector wrote: |
| Since posting my issue, I have found the problem is the dash light rheostat. I had tried two used units from a wrecking yard and did not fix the problem. I then figured that is not the problem. Then a friend with a 900 let me swap in his rheostat. The problem was fixed. Also found since that the rheostat is a very weak part and does fail, although mine worked for 17 years. |
Figured out what rheostat means. Now to see if it si the prob. Tx for this reply. |
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donrector
Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 6
Location: Los Gatos, CA
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| Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2012 7:23 pm Post subject: Re: Dash Lights |
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| The rheostat is the dimmer switch you use to dim the dash lights. Use a small screw driver and slip it under the trim lip of the dimmer switch and the dash. Gently pry the switch out. It comes straight out and has a connetor on the rear. Just reverse the procedure to re-install. It is actually very easy to get at. |
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drhiii
Joined: 21 Nov 2012
Posts: 10
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| Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2012 7:29 pm Post subject: Re: Dash Lights |
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| donrector wrote: |
| The rheostat is the dimmer switch you use to dim the dash lights. Use a small screw driver and slip it under the trim lip of the dimmer switch and the dash. Gently pry the switch out. It comes straight out and has a connetor on the rear. Just reverse the procedure to re-install. It is actually very easy to get at. |
Bonus. I will do so. Have several electrical issues that croppde at the same time, on two 1997's... so will attack this one post haste. tx a mil |
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