93 Camry LE inst cluster lights out :( - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

DallasToyo · 08-08-2009, 11:58 PM

Hey guys,
I checked all fuses inside and out and all are OK. Took a look at the connection to the dimmer switch that seems OK and connected too.
Don't know what else to do. Clock and transmission lights in instument panel light up but when parking lights are turned on, the cluster/AC/vents lights are out.
Please help.
Thanks!

gyz1893 · 08-09-2009, 02:19 PM

Check all of your fuses again. I have heard that there is a fuse box in the engine bay. It should be around the battery.

Deadly Sushi · 08-09-2009, 06:10 PM

when you start the car do the idiot lights come on?

DallasToyo · 08-09-2009, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deadly Sushi

when you start the car do the idiot lights come on?

Yes,
even when I turn the knob to parking lights, clock light dims as if to anticipate the cluster lights are on with it.
BTW, I checked the fuses in the engine bay and they're OK too.

Deadly Sushi · 08-12-2009, 02:21 AM

Hmmmmm..... Maybe you should take the dash apart and check the connections on the back of the cluster. Its a long shot but at least you will be better able to diagnose the problem. You could take the cluster to Toyota and maybe they could look at it.

DallasToyo · 09-11-2009, 09:51 AM

I may have to do that. For now however, I've rigged an external LED powered by the cig. lighter outlet to light up my cluster till I find out what's going on.
Thanks again guys for the suggestions.

***LynchburgCSI*** · 09-11-2009, 10:14 AM

It could be the dimmer switch. I had the EXACT same problem. Steps to remove the dah board are in the DIY. or you can PM me.

DallasToyo · 09-11-2009, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LynchburgCSI

It could be the dimmer switch. I had the EXACT same problem. Steps to remove the dah board are in the DIY. or you can PM me.

Thanks! So if the connection to the dimmer switch seems OK, do I just go ahead and buy a new switch to replace it with?
I guess what I'm trying to say is how to test the switch after making sure it's properly connected.

***LynchburgCSI*** · 09-11-2009, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DallasToyo

Thanks! So if the connection to the dimmer switch seems OK, do I just go ahead and buy a new switch to replace it with?
I guess what I'm trying to say is how to test the switch after making sure it's properly connected.

Just check to see if the wires are firm attached to the rear of the dimmer knob. Also check for any corrosion or gunk on the terminals. TEST BEFORE YOU REASSEMBLE THE DASH.

You know how to get behind the dash, right? (How to in the DIY section.)

But yeah, when I fixed mine the plastic on the outside was literally melted.

Yours may not be, but still. Joe (eyeball96), Adam (ASG14) and I think that the dimmer knobs going bad is USUALLY the cause of all the dash lighting dying the way you described. I may be able to get you a second hand dimmer switch, or you can PM Eyeball96. I know he has some. If theyre cheap enough, just go ahead and replace it.

DallasToyo · 09-11-2009, 04:01 PM

You the man! That's what I'll do just get one and replace it. Yeh I've been behind the dash a couple of times to fix the bad clock and such.

Thanks again for all your help!

DallasToyo · 12-07-2009, 11:00 AM

I fixed it! The dimmer switch was the culprit.
I would like to thank
LynchburgCSI
Deadly Sushi
gyz1893

This forum is a blessing.

***LynchburgCSI*** · 12-07-2009, 04:41 PM

HA! I knew it. You're now the second or third confirmed case of the dimmer killing all the dash lights. Was the dimmer melted?

DallasToyo · 12-10-2009, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LynchburgCSI

HA! I knew it. You're now the second or third confirmed case of the dimmer killing all the dash lights. Was the dimmer melted?

Yes it was!? But why? What could cause this meltdown in a switch that is barely used if at all?

Hey Lynch, on another subject, at when would you know your ball joints, control arms, or other steering components need to be changed? Is it extra play in the front wheels when car is jacked up or the clunk while turning(I think that's the CV joints).. I'm confused.

***LynchburgCSI*** · 12-16-2009, 05:27 PM

1) I have no idea...start another thread.

2) No one knows why this happens... but it seems to be a common problem.

haux · 12-16-2009, 10:36 PM

I didn't find anything in the DIY list about dashboard removal.

I'm putting in a clock from an XLE 'cause it looks a little nicer. But the junkyard dude had to break something in the dashboard to pull it out. Which is kinda cool... but then that means I have to remove mine to replace that clock?