1997 Q45 Gauge lights / Dome light (already searched)

[1997Q45]

Hi guys,

I searched the forums and saw similar problems but not my exact problem. Tonight when I started my car the instrument panel/gauge lights did not work as well as any lights related to dimming (ac, etc). Also when the doors are opened the automatic dome light didn't work. I know it isn't a bulb issue as they all went out at the same time and like other posts, I didn't see any fuse related to dimming instruments. I tried banging on the dimming switch as some have mentioned and made sure dimming was all the way up with no luck. Also, the dome light does work when on ON. Please help if you can or have had similar experience!

Thanks so much!

[1997Q45]

got in the car tonight and lights are working fine. not sure what's up.

[BadQ45t]

Seems like it must be the dimmer wheel that is the culprit here. If you run that up and down all those lights you mentioned would be dimmed. I had a detail guy who ran that down right after I bought the car and drove for 100 miles until I figured it out in the dark on I5 one night. At some point it will hard fail and you'll have to either clean (hope that is is just dust) or replace that switch.

[yodawill2000]

On the J30's its common to get cold solder on the circuit board of the dimmer.
I re-soldered mine and its perfect every since.

[1997Q45]

Thanks so much guys! Do you just have to pop the switch out with a screwdriver? I will check it out one day. I'm actually trying to sell the car so since it's back to working normal will mention if I find a buyer but not sure if I want to start taking things apart.