Flickering Ip Lights

[mlkey]

Okies, had this going on since I got the car (2002 2.0 HDI 5 Dr) in January, wondered if anyone else has had / got the same issue.. is it a characteristic, or a fault?

 

So, driving along in the dark with lights on, and every now and again (seems random), all the IP illumination dims (with a bit of flickering maybe) for a few seconds before going back to how it was. I have ruled out as much as I can without pulling things to bits... like trying to recreate the issue when stationary. First thought was the suspension pump, and by lowering then raising the suspension, I can get it to flicker, but it is only a very quick flicker as it cuts in. Turned all other electrics off, but it still seems to do it... Alternator maybe? thinking about it, don't recall it doing it when stationary with engine running and lights on. Any ideas welcome... Cue Techbod :)

[old'uns]

IP lights? excuse my ignorance.

headlamps flickering when driving is normal

[mlkey]

IP lights? excuse my ignorance.

headlamps flickering when driving is normal

 

Instrument Panel / dashboard :)

[techbod]

seen it before and it came down to poor connections on the rear of the dash and they needed cleaning with dielectric spray from Maplin ( the stuff you clean PCBs on computers ) its happening to many of the newer cars due to the wiring thickness which was reduced to save weight, the older cars used much heavier wire which could carry more amps so the thing stuff overloads the connectors and they fur up loosing continuity ( sound daft but ask anyone who owns the newer Mercedes as its a major issue with them,

other things t check is the earthing wire connections to see if they are furring up with the usual green powder stuff you see on the battery and cleaning the dimmer switch contacts

[mlkey]

Thought I would post an update re this..

 

I found the issue, although not cured totally. It is something to do with the instrument panel lighting dimmer. When the lighting is being dimmed to any degree, the flickering occurs randomly, but when on full bright there is no flicker. Conclusion: Am guessing the dimmer needs cleaning (thanks techbod) or is on the way out, so will use it on full bright to effectively avoid its use for now.

 

Okies, had this going on since I got the car (2002 2.0 HDI 5 Dr) in January, wondered if anyone else has had / got the same issue.. is it a characteristic, or a fault?

 

So, driving along in the dark with lights on, and every now and again (seems random), all the IP illumination dims (with a bit of flickering maybe) for a few seconds before going back to how it was. I have ruled out as much as I can without pulling things to bits... like trying to recreate the issue when stationary. First thought was the suspension pump, and by lowering then raising the suspension, I can get it to flicker, but it is only a very quick flicker as it cuts in. Turned all other electrics off, but it still seems to do it... Alternator maybe? thinking about it, don't recall it doing it when stationary with engine running and lights on. Any ideas welcome... Cue Techbod :)

[Randombloke]

Conclusion: Am guessing the dimmer needs cleaning (thanks techbod) or is on the way out, so will use it on full bright to effectively avoid its use for now.

 

The track on the pot is worn, or if it's a push and hold adjustment, the dimmer is tired.

 

Leave it on full - unless you do a lot of driving on dark lanes you won't need the dimmer.

 

If it's a push to adjust dimmer you can blank out the whole dashboard except the speedo with a long push anyway.