Instrument panel lights not working

[labsrus]

Hi folks,

This is my first post here as I have just bought a Caravelle 1984 to make the long trip from Sweden back home to Scotland.

Yesterday I had the van at the garage to replace the dud starter motor and fix broken spot lights and last night I discovered the instrument panel lights no longer work. Were ok before garage but they say they did not touch any wires behind dash and dont know how to fix it. Oil, battery and high beam lights works, just the lights that light up the speedo & clock/fuel guage which are broken.

Have read old posts on here and Haynes manual and managed to get off panel cover and get out one of the bulbs (right hand side) but the other one seems to be stuck fast. Any ideas on how to get it out without breaking the thing? I am not very technical but would like to get it fixed without another ridiculous garage bill!

Any advice appreciated

[yorkierob]

the bulbs twist 90o and pull out I had to use a pair of pliers but your better off replacing them anyway - I replaced mine with LED ones off Ebay and they are much better
there's a thread on here or wiki somewhere

[AngeloEvs]

Pretty sure the Panel Lights are fused. Might be worth checking your Haynes manual and if so - test fuse.

Intermittent Dimmer - rotate it a few times.

[labsrus]

I have checked the fuses and they are ok, will have a go with pliers though scared of breaking it but if you managed it should hopefully be ok. Definitely wont come out by hand. Right side one came out easy enough but nothing ever goes completely right for me

[labsrus]

Managed to get it out with pliers so off to see if I can find replacement bulbs now and hope thats what the problem is, if not could be driving at night with a torch!

[1664]

Happened on my previous camper. The dimmer below the headlights switch was kaput - I just by passed it

Check your removed lamps with a multimeter - no point buying new if they're ok.............

[Mickyfin]

Safe journey home my friend

[labsrus]

Managed to get new bulbs fitted but its too sunny here to see if they are working yet. Dont have a multimeter, as I said I am not very good at technical things but wish I was!

I think you may be right and the dimmer switch may be caput but thats beyond my capabilities I think.
Mickyfin thanks for the good wishes, much appreciated.

[labsrus]

Tried my lights now it's dark and still not workinh so wasnt the bulbs, bummer

[Mickyfin]

Its more than likely your dimmer rocker switch then, try spraying some electrical cleaner in it if you can whilst turning it to and throw?

[labsrus]

Have tried spraying the dimmer switch to no avail so admitting defeat now. Have ordered an led music stand light, has 2 bendy lights which clip on so one to light up each dial.

Willl get it repaired wan I get back home as garage prices here are ridiculous.
Thanks everyone for the tips, this is a great forum with so much information it has been a great help already

[CovKid]

The other possibility and not mentioned so far is that the plug connecting dash clocks isn't making contact with the pcb ribbon for dash lights. Do check that. Track could be broken or dirty.