94 1.4ie 78k been running happily until two days ago when whilst pottering along at night I suddenly lost the dash illumination lights - all dials and warning lamps (except green headlight lamp) and headlights remained functional.

discovered a blown sidelight fuse - replaced it and dash illumination lights and green headlights warning light worked for about thirty seconds before blowing again.

But here's the weird bit - decided to leave the tracing of the fault to another day and locked the car - and noticed that as the central locking closed the doors, the dash illumination lights and and the green headlight warning lamp flashed on for a second!

I guess the two circuits are shorted somewhere and having scanned the site my guess is that a damp fuse box is likely to be to blame.

However as I'm unfamiliar with the wiring on the tipo thought I'd ask the experienced heads on the site if there are any other points in the car/ looms at which the wiring could be running together and shorting out.

Also wondering if removing the C/L relay or fuse could be a quick fix to get the dash lights back on for night driving / impending MOT at the expense of manual locks?

Any pointers or thoughts gratefully received!

the fuse box is mounted in the drivers side next to the steering column. it can be pulled down if you see a pull lever at fuse box. the box has a main earth lead. check for tightness. i think yu have an earth wire chaffing somewhere. my best advice is you use the experiance of an auto electrician. proberly money well spent in this instance.