Hi guys,

I have recently purchased a lovely Panda eleganza however it seems to have a problem which is annoying me. Each time the vehicle is unlocked, driven, or even switched off, two lights remain lit (rather dimly) on the dash cluster. Those are; the ELD and steering wheel symbol lamps.

These are more noticeable to during night driving and it seems rather annoying. I took it to the dealer who states nothing was wrong and said as the light extinguishes after a short while, which is true, nothing is wrong.

The steering symbol lights up (very brightly) when the ignition is turned to MAR but then returns to the dim light which illuminates both the ELD, steering symbol and if you look hard enough, the handbrake symbol too.

Once I exit the vehicle, the lights remain lit for a short time before the they all extinguish at the same time. I'm not sure what this fault is.

I have also attached an image of the cluster where the lights are visible.

Any help is appreciated,
Matt.

To start with, I'd turn off the city steering (or the girlie button). It makes the steering lighter to a silly extent and uses extra power to do so. It simply is not required ever!

I'd then check the condition of the battery in the car. If it's old and not functioning properly it can throw up errors. If in doubt change it for a new decent brand one such as Bosch.

When you turn the engine off, the interior lamp lights for a short time. When you exit the car, it stays on again for a short time, and is dimmed to off, controlled by the body computer.
Incorrect lamps lit suggest an earth problem, where the current is finding an earth path along the wrong cables.
Start at the interior lamp and check the connections.
Next check the earth lead from battery to gearbox and onto the car body. Easy to check, make sure clean and tight and cable not broken.
If not fixed, check connector block to ECU under dash.

Hi,

Where is the earth lead from battery to gearbox then onto the car body located? Is that the one near the cambelt cover?
As for the Connector block to ECU under the dash, is that easy to remove, and once removed is it a simple case cleaning up wires etc..

Just a bit unsure of the earthing points on the Panda and the ones particularly for this fault. Also, what cleaner is recommended on earthing points?

Thanks,
Matt

Hi Matt,

black "earth/ground" lead goes from battery to a chassis earth,
undo it at the battery, then undo the 13mm hex heads where it bolts to metal parts,

cleaning,
best to scrub the contact areas bright with green scourer / scotchbrite,

WD40 is an INSULATOR..,

good electrical contact cleaner spray is preferred as it'll fizz off dirt, then evaporate without leaving a sticky (insulating) residue,
Charlie - Oxford

Hi,

I took my car into the dealer (under warranty) and they are eager to find/source the fault. The guy thinks it's possibly a lose wire, whilst I believe it to be a faulty cluster altogether. I took some more pics, so hopefully this will help narrow down the fault.

If anyone has any further suggestions, it'll be much appreciated.

Matt