Technical Alternator and Fog light dash lights on (Dim) while dash is powered

[pasotibbs]

Anyone seen this before ?
Alternator and Fog light dash lights on (Dim) while dash is powered ie for a few seconds after opening door or boot or switching off ign and all the time while Ign on. Only noticed recently because it isn't obvious in daylight and don't normally use the car at night.

 

[zanes]

Overspill from any other dash lights that are on?

 

[pasotibbs]

Photos hopefully

http://postimg.org/image/dccdkgkw3/

 

[pasotibbs]

http://postimg.org/image/uff5fz1kz/

 

[pasotibbs]

If you can see the first pic after the ign is turned off they are the only lights on!
To me it looks like the dash power is going to ground through the bulbs.

 

[pasotibbs]

looks like nobody has had this fault ?
Car is in on Sat for safety recall so will mention then.

 

[pasotibbs]

Solution was replacement Dash, slightly different design.

 

[pasotibbs]

Fault has just returned
I think it may be moisture getting into the dash due to the car being stood a lot and only being used for short trips every 2 weeks or so ?
I'm using it for commuting this week as it's quiet to see if this helps,if not as the car is now over 3 years old I'll have to fix it myself.
May try the old water damaged phone trick and put the instruments in a bag of rice to draw the moisture out.
I'll post again when I know more.

 

[RussH]

Or an easier option. If you have, or can borrow a dehumidifier?

I agree, as it's returned sounds like moisture. Maybe just removing the instrument cluster and spraying all the connections with electrical contact cleaner (places like maplins have it) would work.

 

[pasotibbs]

Dehumidifier is an option I've considered but I figured it would have to be repeated every few weeks,assuming it worked!
I'm hoping that the issue will be obvious when the dash is removed and a lasting fix possible.What's interesting is the same bulbs have the isssue even though on the replacement dash they are different circuits,its now the airbag and seatbelt lights on all the time and the engine warning light flashing with the RH indicator.Hopefully a bit of wd40 or something in the right spot will cure ?

 

[pasotibbs]

Called into dealer to see if they would fix as it is an old fault that has returned and they think that the dash itself has 1 yr warranty so could be OK for replacement, they are doing the paperwork so we shall see.The top Fiat Tech said its a bad batch of led's that
cause the issue so if yours has this fault replacing them may cure?

 

[AndyRKett]

Not so much 500s but if you look around the forum other models suffer from this fault.

It's often caused by an earth fault in the dash binnacle and as you've found out is cured by replacement.

If you are leaving it unused for long periods especially with the current cold and wet weather, it's worth disconnecting the battery.

 

[pasotibbs]

Dealer replaced Dash again.