1998 Pontiac Bonneville Logo

Related Topics:

Anonymous Posted on May 16, 2017

Instrument Panel Lights

The instrument panel lights work sometimes and will then stop working for no reason. I was told by one mechanic that there may be a sensor behind the front bumper somewhere that will cause them to periodically go out. Maybe a daytime headlight issue? It definitely isn't a fuse because like I said they do randomly come on. Hot and cold weather doesn't sem to have any effect. Im looking for solutions without having to crack the dashboard open and hunt down an electrical gremlin. Thank you for any help!

1 Answer

Jeff Armer

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

  • Pontiac Master 15,575 Answers
  • Posted on May 16, 2017
Jeff Armer
Pontiac Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Joined: Nov 22, 2012
Answers
15575
Questions
1
Helped
7112261
Points
73899

Daytime headlight issue ? No , no sensor behind the front bumper . No Daytime time head lamp issue , doesn't turn on the instrument panel light's . This is more then likely a remote dimmer module problem .
Interior Lights Dimming Circuit Description (Pontiac)
When the park lights are on, battery positive voltage (B+) is applied via CKT 32 (YEL) to the remote dimmer module. The interior dimming switch in the lamp dimmer switch is a variable resistor which applies the dimming input via CKT 44 (DK GRN) to the remote dimmer module. The potentiometer in the lamp dimmer switch cannot provide enough current in order to operate the incandescent lights. The remote dimmer module amplifies the current, applying a variable voltage to the incandescent lights. As the amount of current increases, the lamps become brighter. As the amount of current decreases, the lamps become dimmer.
The radio, heater and A/C control assembly, instrument cluster, and passenger climate control each has a vacuum fluorescent (VF) display. When each module receives an input that the ignition switch is turned to the RUN position, each module activates the VF display at the full intensity. When the park lights are on, the radio receives the dimming level from an input on CKT 8 (GRY). The radio then relays this information to any other modules with VF displays. All modules with VF displays then adjust the dimming level of their VF display in order to match the level of the incandescent lamps.

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 1990 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 22, 2009

SOURCE: instrument panel not working

Look in the Fuse Relay box under the Hood and Replace the Guage Relay. Should get it Fixed.

Ad

Anonymous

  • 5 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 07, 2009

SOURCE: Dashboard/instrument lights stopped working

if all the fuse are good the next step is check the electrical switch panel light to see if you get power

Sumeet Sodhi

  • 163 Answers
  • Posted on May 22, 2008

SOURCE: Tail Lights, Marker Lights, Air Conditioner lights out

it seems to be a wiring problem .get the wiring checked.

Anonymous

  • 169 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 30, 2009

SOURCE: Dash instrument panel and tail lights went out

needs headlight switch

dj_relly999

dj_relly999

  • 4070 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 08, 2010

SOURCE: i fixed problem with multi

Hi and welcome to FixYa!

As a first course of action I strongly suggest that you check the PCM (powertrain control module). The PCM has connectivity on all electrical current that runs inside the car including the engine, transmission, interior accessories, exterior lights, etc.

If the PCM is faulty something will surely fail. Have it checked and replace if necessary.

Hope this helps and thank you for using FixYa! Have a good one!

Ad

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

Instrument lights for 1995 Isuzu rodeo don't work

Since it's highly unlikely all your instrument panel bulbs are blown (that usually only occurs if a faulty alternator puts out excessive voltage), it can be several things.
Have you checked your taillights and brake lights? Reason I say, many vehicles are designed to not illuminate the instrument panel lights if both taillights are out (a safety feature and tell-tale warning to the driver). If the taillights are ok, it may have a bad dimmer resistor for the inst panel lights, presuming the fuse that controls the dash lights is good. The other possibility is a faulty ground connection to the instrument panel circuit board or wire loom.
0helpful
1answer

I replaced the instrument cluster & head light switch on my 2001 buick century and the instrument panel and tail lights still do not work, what else can I do

Check 20Amp LP Park Fuse in Underhood Fuse Block (mounted to right strut tower) Check 15Amp Tail Lic. Lamp Fuse In IP Fuse Block.
0helpful
1answer

The instrument panel lights in a 2001 focus only work sometimes

Hi, What is needed is rewiring job or buy a new wiring loom but if you need the loom you need a good elektriks guy to re-wire the vehicle. Hope this helps give me feedback please. Thanks, Malcolm Campbell.
1helpful
1answer

For 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan,instrument clusters with light when ignition turn on, but there's no crank and no start. Battery just changed five months ago

I have a similar problem. Do you also notice the gauges on the instrument panel going out from time to time? (Have to slap the dashboard.) I have been told the start problem is related to a problem with the instrument panel (a control unit contained therein). I have found at times turning the key to the ON position for a few seconds (odometer lights stabilize) before moving to the START position sometimes helps.

Unfortunately, replacing the instrument cluster/control unit can cost up to $600-700. I am not a mechanic, but have inquired about this for my own Caravan. Good luck.
4helpful
1answer

Instrument panel lights don't work

please advice, have you solved the problem? I have the same one on my Sebring. Many thanks.
1helpful
3answers

The power mirrors,interior light, and stereo does

There is a module built into the instrument panel that controls the interior lights. If that thing goes bad, you have to replace the entire instrument panel. Everyone always says check the fuses, of course you would have done that before running to your computer to ask a stranger what to do! The instrument panel is expensive, I hope thats not your problem, thats my problem. Good luck.
0helpful
1answer

Instrument Panel goes on and off, as do headlights

You have to remove the panel to check onthe connections behind it, also check the headlights switch, they tend to burn out.
0helpful
1answer

Instrument lights do not work

yes--instr panel fuse. Also check the brake light (STOP) fuse. Sometimes a blown brake light fuse sends you a thought through NO DASH LIGHTS
2helpful
1answer

Back up lights ,instrument panel

My reverse lights went out as well on my 98. There is a sensor that engages the backup lights when the car is put in reverse. It is located under the battery and it is a pain to get to, but we were able to locate it and correct the sensor where it would engage the reverse lights. This is likely the cause of your problem as well. You will probably need a dodge neon repair manual if you don't have one, if you want to locate the sensor yourself, or better yet, just let a mechanic pull the battery and do all the boring stuff for you. I would suspect the charges would be nominal. As far as your instrument panel, that happened to me as well. I pulled the dash off and removed the entire instrument panel and cleaned all the connections with electrical contact cleaner, available at auto parts store. This corrected my problems with the instrument panel. I can also highly recommend not whacking your dashboard when your instrument panel doesn't work, as it can cause your car to completely shut off! Learned that one the hard way! Hope this helps.
Not finding what you are looking for?

223 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Pontiac Experts

ZJ Limited
ZJ Limited

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

Thomas Perkins
Thomas Perkins

Level 3 Expert

15088 Answers

Brad Brown

Level 3 Expert

19187 Answers

Are you a Pontiac Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...