Technical Instrument Panel Light Problem

[weejim]

I have a problem with the backlight of my instrument panel. I have owned my Multipla 1.9 JTD ELX from new (2000) without any problems before. But over the last year the backlight on the instrument panel has not came on when I turn my lights on, but then comes on later in the journey, before going out and on again. It has gradually got worse, so today I decided to try to rectify it. My instincts was a loose connection. So I removed the heating control panel, and stripped off the plastic surround of the instrument panel. I checked for a loose connection, but nothing, then I disconnected the wiring blocks going into the panel, and put them back in, but still no joy. All the warning lights are fine, as also the mileage and clock light. I fear that the problem is on the actual circuit board itself, but I would have to remove the speedo needle and fuel needle, to get at the board. Has anyone had this problem before? and also has anyone removed the needles, to say replace dials, and not damaged anything. All replies welcome

Wee Jim

 

[JTDman]

You have to be carefull when removing needles as they often rest on the small pin set by the 10mph mark so if you remove it then it may not go back on in the same place, you sure it isnt just a bulb?

 

[weejim]

Hi JTD MAN

I can't see any bulbs or how to get at them, that is why I thought that I would have to take the instrument panel apart. I can see and change the bulbs for the heater controls no problem, but can't see how to get at the instrument bulb without removing the back of it, but wasn't sure how I could manage that, without removing the needles. But if anyone knows how to get at the bulb/bulbs for the panel unit, then let me know.

Cheers Wee Jim

 

[JTDman]

Cant say ive had the multi clocks out but they are normally behind them and just twist in.

 

[weejim]

There is two holes in the back of the panel, where normally a twist in bulb would go, but they are blank (odd). This made me think that maybe soldered leds or push in bulbs i.e. the same as heater control panel, were fitted on the inside. I thought it was strange to see the holes, as I would have thought that light would escape from it, but then again they might have changed the design. The wiring diagrams on the fiat CD didn't really help me either. Will take a picture of it. What really baffles me is that it just lights on and off on its own accord, when driving with my lights on, which would indicate a loose connection. Yet when I have all the surrounds off and same connectors on it isn't lighting up, even on tapping it slightly, I am baffled. Although I don't drive at nighttime, it would cause a problem if I had to do so in an emergency, as I wouldn't see what speed I would be going.

Wee Jim