When I drive at night, the dashboard gauges (speedo, tach, fuel, temp) are no longer illuminated. Turning the headlights on and off and/or rotating the dash light dimmer has no effect. Here's the odd part: when I first turn the key from the ACC to IGN position, the lights come on briefly and then go out. And, if I turn the key from IGN to ACC, the lights do the same: briefly on and then off.

Has anyone experienced this problem?

 

As a first step have you checked all the associated fuses and relays? (consult the electrical guide for your car to see which ones).

Otherwise it does sound like maybe the dimmer module has failed, given that your lights aren't working at all other than a brief flash (which could point to a failed electrolytic capacitor in the module). Dimmer modules are cheap enough just to go ahead and swap it out.

The other thing you could check is the dimmer knob control itself and make sure the override switch is working.

 

Thanks -- I will do so! I forgot to mention that the dimmer knob does affect the brightness of the figures shown in the odometer, so that appears to be working.

 

Could you tell me where the dimmer module is located? I have a new one, but couldn't find any illustrations.

 

I found it!

 

Good news and bad news.

I was able to replace the dimmer control module with a new one.
Unfortunately, it didn't fix the problem.

I have pored over the electrical handbook trying to identify associated fuses/relays but have been unable to do so. (I'm no expert on electrical circuits...) Any suggestions? If not, I may have to take it to the dealer to sort out. :-(

 

Next time dash lights go out, smack the dash with your hand above the cluster and see if anything come back on. I had my cluster out and took all the bulbs out and cleaned up the connections from bulb to sockets by lightly sanding brass tabs and bending to fit tighter where needed. I still got one pesky light in the Speedo that will decide to go out here and there…. But one good smack to the dash right above it makes it cooperate till I park.