1997 Chevy Lumina sl

KIMMICO

MEMBER
1997 CHEVROLET TRUCK

Hi,
I bought my lumina used and it didn't come w/an
owners manual. I recently noticed that the dashboard lights had come on automatically. I heard a "click" and then the lights came on. I also thought I smelled smoke right before this happened. Was this
coincidental or is there something wrong w/my dashboard lights? I am very concerned about the
possibility of fire, but I don't really have the money to
have it checked out by a mechanic unless it is truly necessary. Thanks

2 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

I doubt a fire issue is ging to happen. But my guess is therea re some things that may not work anymore.

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Friday, April 13th, 2007 AT 6:39 PM

TKMNBJM

MEMBER
9 POSTS

Your car probably has DRL (daytime running lights). When you crank your car your headlights come on automatically. However, if it is really overcast (cloudy) or if you drive into a not so well lit place, such as a parking garage, your lights will get brighter and your dash lights will come on also. They make a clicking noise when they come on. Look on the top of your dash up near the windshield in front of the driver's seat. There should be a little sensor up there that detects the amount of light outside so as to control the brightness of your headlights and whether to turn on your dash lights. It's nothing to worry about. I'm not sure about the smoke smell. May just be a coincidence.