Instrument panel lights not working properly

DESTINEE SMITH

MEMBER
2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
2.5L
2WD
AUTOMATIC
134,218 MILES

Since I've gotten this car when I turn the switch for the headlights, the instrument panel would light up. Recently I replaced some fuses that were blown. Now when I turn the headlights on the dashboard stays dark and I can't see to drive at night. I can't find which fuse would belong to the actual control panel switch, but I found the fuse to the dashboard itself. Especially because it appears to light up during the day. Is there a sunlight sensor? Is it a blown fuse? If it's a problem with the switch, do I get a new one or do I need to replace a fuse? I just need some professional guidance. Thank you so much.

Friday, November 5th, 2021 AT 9:46 PM

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

This could be a number of things. We should start with checking for codes because if you have a sensor issue then more than likely you have a circuit code that will point us in the right direction.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

The next likely cause is the dimmer switch is just turned off. If the switch is turned all the way down, then the lights in the cluster will shut off when you turn the head lights on so let's just check and make sure that is not the issue.

Lastly it could be fuse issue, so I am attaching the fuse diagram for the ones addressing the cluster and interior lights. However, the easiest way to find any issues is to turn the engine on and then use a test light and just run over all the fuses.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Basically, this will allow you to touch each tab of the fuse and the test light should come on for all of them on both sides of the fuse and that means they are all good.

Let us know what codes are there and we can go from there. Thanks

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