Flickering dash lights

[.Stevo.C.]

My brother has a 1999 Renault clio initiale automatic. The car is fine apart from the dash lights flicker on and off when you have the lights on. They are more off than on. I've had the rear lights off cleaned all the connections both earths cleaned. Even had the rear number plate light out and cleaned. I've also taken off the top half of the dash and taken the unit out. again cleaned all the connections checked for broken wires etc, and still it doesnt work. Does anyone have an idea what else it could be?

Cheers

Steven

 

[simon_182]

Hi Steven

I'm not familiar with the 99 Clio - does it have a dashboard illumination adjustment wheel?

Si

 

[.Stevo.C.]

It does. Could it be that?

 

[simon_182]

very possible. there may a simple resistive adjustment on the wheel that when old and possibly slightly damaged inside may not help. i would definately try removing it from the circuitry and either pick one up from a scrappies or if your feeling confident and know about electrics short it out - this would give maximium brightness and indicate whether or not its the source of the fault.

failing all of that let me know, youre not a million miles away from mee and im electrically trained - not on cars but the principle is the same!!!

Si

 

[.Stevo.C.]

I un plugged the dimmer and the stereo and heater lights went dim. Which i'd knew what would happen. I'll try pick another up from the scrappies. Only other thing was that when I checked the rear number plate light the cable had been damaged. I cut this and crimped it together again. I did notice though that when I stripped the plastic sheathing the wire was dull as in rusty. I cleaned it up with some wire wool. Not sure how far back this rust goes. Could that be the problem maybe? Thanks for you're advice so far Si

Steven

 

[Christopher]

Bad earth. My old 172 had that issue. Check the earth in the engine bay, near the battery.

 

[.Stevo.C.]

Try'd that aswell took both the batery one and the other earth next to it off. cleaned them up and still no joy.

 

[simon_182]

No problem steven, just hope it helps. If you have spare cable I'd short out the connector before getting another controller. I wouldn't want you to take a trip to the scrappies on my bad advice!

Si