Help with instument panel lights
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 8
From: Indian Rocks Beach FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
I haven't had this problem myself (knock on wood) but I'd start by cleaning all the grounds. There is an excellent sticky at the top by Bill Curlee covering this. Best of luck 
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
You need to define when you are expecting them to come on such as at night when entering the car or when you are turning on the headlamps or the twilight sentinel turning them on for you. Also, is the IPC/DIC display and HVAC display part of the problem or not?
A lot depends on the current lighting conditions at the time. Usually when you start having problems with the background lights, its the headlamp switch itself. If the DIC and HVAC display start having issues in daylight conditions, there is a small light sensor at the top of the DIC controller that is failing.
A lot depends on the current lighting conditions at the time. Usually when you start having problems with the background lights, its the headlamp switch itself. If the DIC and HVAC display start having issues in daylight conditions, there is a small light sensor at the top of the DIC controller that is failing.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,799
Likes: 1
From: Dayton Ohio
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
The lamps are incandescent types and will burn out eventually. The problem is, GM doesn't supply them. They are Neo-Wedge types if I remember correctly. Forum member Tstar is the authority on them. Yes, you must remove the IP Cluster to get to the DIC Controller but its not hard to do. Takes about 15 minutes to get it out. Don't waste your time taking it out unless you have the lamps ready to go or else a new DIC Controller.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,987
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From: DuBois PA
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15
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Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 57
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From: Rockmart Georgia
clarification
My problem is when I turn on the lights with the switch. My headlamps work, but sometimes I have to turn them on a few times before I get any instument panel lights to come on.
Thanks
Thanks
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Then your headlamp switch is done. Now before you run out and order one, you can repair it but need a very small torx tip to get it apart. I don't know the exact size. Search around for the switch. There's one place that has it listed for $138 but Gene Culley is the best source for parts overall. I don't know what his price is at this instant. You do not need to remove the steering wheel to get to the switch.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Thanks all for your input. I've got some good leads (no pun intended).
When I turn on the headlights, sometimes I have to do it several times for them to pop up, or just wait and they'll finally come up. Is this still a symptom of a bad switch?
When I turn on the headlights, sometimes I have to do it several times for them to pop up, or just wait and they'll finally come up. Is this still a symptom of a bad switch?
Last edited by Nogee; Mar 11, 2009 at 08:54 AM.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: Escondido CA
Oh, for your IP lights problem, one more thing you can check to confirm if it's the switch. See if the IP lights come on automatically when you enter the car. If the do every time, I'd go for the MF Switch for sure.
