Guys I know I saw a thread on this. My 97 xk8's dash lights are on when I start the car. When I switch on the headlights they go off. The dimmer switch does not make any difference. I purchased a used signal switch with a dimmer from a local yard. I do not have auto lights option. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Could not find that earlier link.

thx.
jim

 

Try moving your steering column in and out. I had something similar if the not the same happen way back. If the column was full extended the lights went out.

Moved in slightly and all was fine, the harness was getting pulled at full extension.

 

Thank you. I will check out in the morning and I will advise if that worked.

 

Tried moving column in and out. No change. If anyone has another idea please let me know. I have a used dimmer and switch. maybe I should just change at this point.

 

Sorry to hear that, I've attached a schematic of your dimmer controlled lighting.

Wasn't sure if you had but maybe it will help locate the issue.

Could be a short in the lighting stalk. If the dimmer works fine without the head lights on I would lean more towards the stalk.

 

Thank you for the file. I will check it out and let you know what I find.

 

I have the whole electronics manual for our year but couldn't upload it for you.

I pulled it from the forum so it may be under the DIY section. I know it's on here somewhere.

 

The file was jvk1997en.pdf and it was under the DIY but I did a search and can't find it.

If you want the whole thing PM your email and I'll see if I can send it out that way.

 

thx. I will

 

Curious about this one too - just had this happen when I turned on the head lights. Have not tried messing with the steering column or the dimmer switch but when the head lights were off, the dash lights lit up fine. Hm.

 

exactly what I have. I am working on it. Will update when I know more. let me know if you figure it out.

 

Not sure if it helps, but I just had the car looked at for an electrical gremlin that kept killing the battery if the car was left parked for three days or so. What the techs found, eventually, was that it had a bad body control module. However, the item worked just fine so long as I do not leave the lights in the automatic setting. If I do that, for whatever reason something in the BCM stays alive and eventually kills off the battery. So it was either I get used to turning the lights on and off (I'm old enough to remember when that was normal, so no big deal) or I pay $1500 for a new BCM-! You can guess which one I chose.

Now, I'm wondering if the dash lights going off while headlights are on is a BCM related problem. Could be; hope that helps.

 

Ok Guys. Here's what I know. Finally got a chance to see whats going on. The first thing I checked was the Fuse on the passenger side. # 18 - 10 amps. It was blown. replaced it with a new one started car turned on head lights and it blew again. Tried one more time , same thing. So now I removed the dimmer module which is in the same fuse box. I am thinking either thats bad or I have a wire in the column exposed or rubbing to cause the short. Or the actual stalk is bad. I have a replacement turn signal switch. What do you guys think before I tear anyhting else apart. thx. Jim

 

If you turn your head lights on and it blows the fuse then disconnect both head lights at the units, replace the fuse and try again. You may well have a short on one or both of the connectors or in the units themselves.

In the meantime I'll have a look in the diagram to see if I can come up with something else.

Hope this helps,

 

Thank you. I will try that. Appreciate the help.

Jim

 

Hi Jim,
Attached is the diagram for your problem. Look at the outputs from the dimmer module and if possible you could disconnect them and then see if the fuse blows.

If not then one of those outputs has the problem. If it does, then it will be the module.

Sorry, misunderstood what you were saying with the headlights.

 

Thanks. Just got in. I have the dimmer module out and disconnected. I will follow what you said and get back to you. I suspect the module is bad. Let you know tomorrow.

thx.
Jim

 

Goodmorning. I have the dimmer module disconnected, Turned on the headlights and the fuse did not blow. Still no dash lights when I turn on headlights but I expected that with no dimmer module. So when it's connected the fuse blows. Sounds like a bad module. Would you agree. I will buy a new one unless there is anything else you think I should check. Thank you again for being there to walk me through this.

Jim

 

Sounds as you have found the problem. You could open up and see if it is repairable, though a new one maybe your best bet.

At least now you are one step closer to a result.

 

Thanks. I am checking around to see if I can find one locally. I will let you know when I replace it and am sure that solved the problem.

thx.
Jim