Phantom Interior Lights

[javadave]

Ok, here's a tough one, maybe someone's had these issues.
When I first got this car in August I noticed the clock wasn't visible. Thought it may have just not worked. Then one day I noticed it was on, plain as day, nice and bright in the daylight. I turned the lights on and it dimmed, as would be expected, then came back to full brightness when I turned them back off. Next time I got into the car no clock again, for about 30 minutes, then just like that, there it was, on again. So its been a hit or miss. Sometimes at night I can just barely see very dim numbers, but not bright enough to tell what time it is, even if I turn off the headlights. (Not while moving of course, lol) The other night I was driving it home from work, it was dark out, no clock, but I noticed the light in the ashtray was on, until I bumped it. Then miraculously it came back shortly before parking it for the night. I'm thinking bad ground, as I've checked the connection at the back of the clock, hmm, for tightness, just now thought I maybe should check for corrosion on the connectors, but in the cabin ? Well I'll look tomorrow at that. Any other thoughts or suggestions ?

Thanks,

Dave

[sroy123]

I have an Altima that had a bad bulb behind the heater panel. It would light up only on very cold days. Some how the filaments would only touch then. I replaced the bulb and it works great. Weird things like that happen.

I have test leads with small alligator clips on both ends for such tests like grounds. Strip the wire back and connect it to ground to see what happens. I also made myself test leads with a big sewing needle on one end and alligator clip on the other so I didn't have to strip wires. I was bored one day so I made these up. I love them and use them all the time. Just a thought.