Dashboard lights not working

BILL HENSKE

MEMBER
2005 HONDA ELEMENT
1.4L
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
144,000 MILES

Hi,

The needle lights still works. The taillights, signals, etc, all work which are on the same fuse. I have checked the dimmer and it works. I even did the cardboard behind the instrument panel connector trick. If I drive with the heat blasting the lights come on after about 45 minutes. Any ideas?

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,328 POSTS

Hi,

I'm not familiar with the cardboard think. However, the idea that it works after it gets hot in the vehicle almost sounds like it could be a connection issue. Steel will expand as it gets hot. Have you checked the connector to the instrument panel? Also, there is a ground for the dash lights on the right side of the instrument panel. See the attached pic. See if that is tight or damaged.

Joe

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Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 8:15 PM

BILL HENSKE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I did check the connections, cleaned and reseated. Unfortunately the problem just got resolved a few minutes later when someone t-boned me at an intersection on my way to get a new air filter. :(

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Tuesday, July 21st, 2020 AT 8:46 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,328 POSTS

Wow! I hope you're okay. Did they run a red light?

Joe

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Tuesday, July 21st, 2020 AT 10:03 PM

BILL HENSKE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I'm okay, thanks. My Element has been reduced to an unrepairable clunk. The woman was totally whacked out or suffering from some medical condition and wound up somehow driving off while I was on the phone with police.

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Thursday, July 23rd, 2020 AT 8:32 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,328 POSTS

Hopefully you were able to track her down. I'm glad to hear you are okay.

Please feel free to come back anytime in the future that you need help or have questions.

Take care,
Joe