I'm in the process of fixen' up a recently acquired 1999 XK8. I have no dash lights under any circumstances. Day - zilch. Night - nada. This applies to the instrument cluster, HVAC/radio and three gauges in the center. All darker than my wife's soul.

I currently have the instrument cluster out, and the actual bulbs seem fine. If I understand how this works correctly, the dimmer control module also controls the turn signals, so were it bad they would be inoperable. The turn signals work fine.

I have the dimmer control switch out, and I have ordered another one.

My questions are 1) is there anyway possible to test the dimmer without an oscilloscope? 2) What else could cause this issue?

 

Just a wild guess, but I’m doubting your wife reads your posts……


PS:::
But I do have 3 ex’s that fit that description spot on.


Z

 

Noooo... she does not. She remains blissfully unaware this forum exists.

and if y'all ever meet her, this is just between us, right?

 

The dimmer module has nothing to do with the turn signals. Have you checked all the fuses (check the electrical guide if you don't know which ones)?

The dash lights should be on full brightness with the headlights/sidelights off.
With the headlights/sidelights on, the dash lights are controlled by the dimmer knob. Full brightness when the dimmer knob is clicked on to maximum, otherwise dimmed according to the knob position.

 

Yikes...
I have one, and expect the count will remain at that. If you never re-marry, you never have to re-divorce, right?

 

I have checked the fuses. My question is testing the dimmer knob without an oscilloscope, and if that's possible?

 

I’ve been with the same good gal for 24 years. Not going to jinx it by getting married again.


at least i’ve never married the same gal twice as some of my friends have done. Predictably, the second marriage ended up in court just like the first one.

Z

 

A family member of mine has been married 5 times; the first guy, then the first guy again, the second guy, then the second guy again, then the third guy.

To her credit, the fifth marriage (to the third guy) has lasted 40 years.

 

My wife's first marriage lasted 4 years. I married her in 1979 and it was my first and only marriage. If she croaks first, no way will I marry again. Once is enough....

 

The dimmer knob is just a potentiometer with a switch - you can test it with a multimeter.

I'd be surprised if both the potentiometer and the switch have failed.

 

Just remember fellow forumites, everything you post on the Internet lives there forever!

 

I have been married 34 years. It's definitely cheaper to keep her at this point.

 

My wife says the same thing after 37 years!