Panel Lights on an '85GSL-SE
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Panel Lights on an '85GSL-SE
I recently bought a 1985 GLS-SE that has the panel lights not working. I noticed the dimmer switch is pushed in and wonder if this could be the cause for the panel light not working. Also, could it be the light bulb(s) are burned out?
Can anyone advise me on what can I do to get the panel lights working.
Thanks!
Condores
Can anyone advise me on what can I do to get the panel lights working.
Thanks!
Condores
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Defiantly look at the dimmer switch, defiantly sounds like it’s toast. Make sure it's getting 12V, and putting out 12V to 1V, dependent on position of the dimmer.
There are to many bulbs in the dash, and radio to believe all the bulbs burnt out, you'd think at least one would stay working, just my $.02
There are to many bulbs in the dash, and radio to believe all the bulbs burnt out, you'd think at least one would stay working, just my $.02
#4
remove the shifter boot panel and try and find two wires in there. They should not be connected. If they are, it creates a short and the dash lights will burn out slowly.
#5
Originally posted by rxseven
remove the shifter boot panel and try and find two wires in there. They should not be connected. If they are, it creates a short and the dash lights will burn out slowly.
remove the shifter boot panel and try and find two wires in there. They should not be connected. If they are, it creates a short and the dash lights will burn out slowly.
Last edited by setzep; 11-27-01 at 07:56 PM.
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SetZep,
What do you mean? Are you saying that if you replace the dimmer switch while the two wires are connected and turn the ignition switch on it will burn out the dimmer switch? Or, just shorts-out the switch? Now, if I go back and disconnect the wires will my dash board light work?
I disconnected the round connectors that you mentioned and no luck!! I also noticed that the lights that illuminate both the fan and temperature settings nubs are out. Also, there is light on the ashtray that is not lighting
One more thing... how many bulbs are there in the dash? Is the dash a closed unit?
I've been cleaning the interior and last night decided to take out the rear rug since it's really gone. One has to take out the two storage compartments that are behind the seat. However, I removed the rod that goes across. The one behind the seats holding the rug down and I notice some surface rust. I continue to take out the storage bins and, to my surprise, found more surfaces rust. It appears that the previous owner spilled something in the rear that leaked through the storage bins and, therefore, caused the surface metal to oxidize. Of concern is a small box (the one that is next to the box that is directly behind the drivers seat) containing a circuit board. This box contained some heavy oxidization. I'm afraid this box will have to be replaced. Hopefully it will not cost more than the car. I also noticed a single wire that had broken. Could this be the problem? Without the wiring diagram is hard to tell. Any thoughts/recommendations on this new problem?
Like I said, the only lights that work are the center panel ac/blower and original Mazda radio. The ashtray, temperature and fan ***** do not light up). Of interest is a light that is located in the steering next to where the ignition key goes in. Thank God this light is working!!!
Okay... let me know your thoughts.
Condores
What do you mean? Are you saying that if you replace the dimmer switch while the two wires are connected and turn the ignition switch on it will burn out the dimmer switch? Or, just shorts-out the switch? Now, if I go back and disconnect the wires will my dash board light work?
I disconnected the round connectors that you mentioned and no luck!! I also noticed that the lights that illuminate both the fan and temperature settings nubs are out. Also, there is light on the ashtray that is not lighting
One more thing... how many bulbs are there in the dash? Is the dash a closed unit?
I've been cleaning the interior and last night decided to take out the rear rug since it's really gone. One has to take out the two storage compartments that are behind the seat. However, I removed the rod that goes across. The one behind the seats holding the rug down and I notice some surface rust. I continue to take out the storage bins and, to my surprise, found more surfaces rust. It appears that the previous owner spilled something in the rear that leaked through the storage bins and, therefore, caused the surface metal to oxidize. Of concern is a small box (the one that is next to the box that is directly behind the drivers seat) containing a circuit board. This box contained some heavy oxidization. I'm afraid this box will have to be replaced. Hopefully it will not cost more than the car. I also noticed a single wire that had broken. Could this be the problem? Without the wiring diagram is hard to tell. Any thoughts/recommendations on this new problem?
Like I said, the only lights that work are the center panel ac/blower and original Mazda radio. The ashtray, temperature and fan ***** do not light up). Of interest is a light that is located in the steering next to where the ignition key goes in. Thank God this light is working!!!
Okay... let me know your thoughts.
Condores
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One box is mounted vertically behind the seat. That's a stereo amplifier. 50 Watts (25x2) If there is an identical one acress from it, it's defenately an amplifier. If not, you may have the mid range stereo. (If you have dual amps, you also have the little joystick fader control.) You only need that amp if you have the stock stereo.
Another box is mounted on on the "floor" is your cruise control box. If you dont want your cruise control, you just disconect it adn don't worry about it.
Most of our cars rust back there. Poke at the surface rust and make sure that it hasn't eaten through the wheel wells.
Another box is mounted on on the "floor" is your cruise control box. If you dont want your cruise control, you just disconect it adn don't worry about it.
Most of our cars rust back there. Poke at the surface rust and make sure that it hasn't eaten through the wheel wells.
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#8
Originally posted by Condores
SetZep,
What do you mean? Are you saying that if you replace the dimmer switch while the two wires are connected and turn the ignition switch on it will burn out the dimmer switch? Or, just shorts-out the switch? Now, if I go back and disconnect the wires will my dash board light work?
I disconnected the round connectors that you mentioned and no luck!! I also noticed that the lights that illuminate both the fan and temperature settings nubs are out. Also, there is light on the ashtray that is not lighting
Condores
SetZep,
What do you mean? Are you saying that if you replace the dimmer switch while the two wires are connected and turn the ignition switch on it will burn out the dimmer switch? Or, just shorts-out the switch? Now, if I go back and disconnect the wires will my dash board light work?
I disconnected the round connectors that you mentioned and no luck!! I also noticed that the lights that illuminate both the fan and temperature settings nubs are out. Also, there is light on the ashtray that is not lighting
Condores
That rust that you found is very common for 1st gen's and mine had it also BAD so I cut it out and welded in new pieces from a parts car. Your car may not be as bad though. Here's a pic of what mine looked like before I fixed it.
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I can reach out the holes in my car, and it's not just the side of the fender, it's the area where the bracket mounts for the stabilizer bars Good thing is that I ripped up all the carpet and discovered that there's virtually no other rust on the floor or sides of the car, other than a bit of body steel around the wheel wells in the back. No rust up front whatsoever
Oh well, the hole is getting fixed, and I'm replacing the rusted old brackets with brand new 1/8" steel ones that I manufactured... It'll be nice after Good thing the car's parked though, as I don't think it would be street-legal right now :p
Jeff
Oh well, the hole is getting fixed, and I'm replacing the rusted old brackets with brand new 1/8" steel ones that I manufactured... It'll be nice after Good thing the car's parked though, as I don't think it would be street-legal right now :p
Jeff
#13
My instrument panel lites did not work either on my 85, the 2 wires were connected, i disconnected them, no work, replaced the dimmer switch, no work, went to auto zone bought a cig plug in map light w/red and white output and use it at nite time, works. my 2/cents.....
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Originally posted by setzep
and here's a after pic
and here's a after pic
You repair looks damn good. If only I was handy with a welder, much less knew where to find one.
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Donna,
Please! Please! Noooo! This is not what I expect. Moreover, I see why these cars are slowly deteriorating into a bunch of cars that are held with wires and transplants that only remind me of what I saw in Cuba. I can see the Cubans doing all of the rigging, but here in the US where we can get parts, why would you want to do that?
I’m interested in keeping my car as original as the day it rolled off the assembly line. This way the day that I decide I want to sell, I will be able to claim this car is original and not all rigged-up!!
Now, as to my problem: I still have no dash lights. When I get through some other work that I’m currently working on, I will turn my attention to solving the panel lights once and forever! At that time, I will share the results with everyone. In the mean time, thanks to everyone that has shared his or her experience with me.
Until then…
Condores
Please! Please! Noooo! This is not what I expect. Moreover, I see why these cars are slowly deteriorating into a bunch of cars that are held with wires and transplants that only remind me of what I saw in Cuba. I can see the Cubans doing all of the rigging, but here in the US where we can get parts, why would you want to do that?
I’m interested in keeping my car as original as the day it rolled off the assembly line. This way the day that I decide I want to sell, I will be able to claim this car is original and not all rigged-up!!
Now, as to my problem: I still have no dash lights. When I get through some other work that I’m currently working on, I will turn my attention to solving the panel lights once and forever! At that time, I will share the results with everyone. In the mean time, thanks to everyone that has shared his or her experience with me.
Until then…
Condores