Hey Peeps,

I'm a newbie to playing with Mazda and was trying to fit my own fog lights (non-genuine) when i seem to have stopped my intrument panel and switch illumination from working. It happened after i had connected a switch to the front fog light connections (not the Mazda switch, now realise that me trying to save a few quid may cost more). I have now removed the switch and put everything back to standard but it still doesn't work, i've checked all the fuses (both engine and interior) and none of them have blown.

Everything else in the car works, the lights and all the switches do what there supposed to but they just don't light up when i turn the lights on. All the indicators on the panel work (indicators, rear fog, main beam etc..) its just the dials don't have the illumination so i can't see them in the dark.

I hope i've given enough information and background for you to help and that someone can help. I'm off now to stop being a peny pinching git and buy a proper Mazda switch (£38 :'( )

Thanks in advance

Adam

I've recently installed a fog light switch And can imagine how easy it must be to screw something up.

It's possible that you may have blown the dash illumination circuit.

When i did mine I remember that there are four wires that come out the dash.

2 Are for the fogs to work and light up an indicator in the dash that warns you they are on.

2 For the standard mazda switch which should illuminate it. (There's quite a strong current going through these wires if you connect them- I know, It burnt my hand a bit)

You didn't accidentaly cross the wrong wires by any chance?

I'm having a similar problem. Since putting my white dials in to my car I've noticed that my temperature gauge doesn't work anymore. As soon as the car is swithced on it goes straight to the very top but returns to the very bottom when the car is switched off.

Any ideas?

I reckon i've blown the circuit as i didn't realise that the 2 sets of wires were for the fog lights and the illumination. I kinda assumed they'd be for the 2 fog lights.

Any ideas on how to fix the situation? I'd have thought that a fuse would have blown rather than a part of the circuit.

Is there a method to fix this or am i gonna have to bite the bullet and take it too an expert.

Adam

hey guys,

i've done a bit of research using the haynes manual wire diagrams and it seems i might have blown the "panel light control switch" but i haven't a clue where it is and so how to check if it has blown.

Has anyone got experience of this or just know how to do it?

Adam

have you looked at the relays? could be a burnt out relay?

[quote="viperpurple"]hey guys,

i've done a bit of research using the haynes manual wire diagrams and it seems i might have blown the "panel light control switch" but i haven't a clue where it is and so how to check if it has blown.

Has anyone got experience of this or just know how to do it?

Adam[/quote]

Are they refering to the roll type switch which brightens/dims the dashboard lights ? Mine's situated just to the left of the steering column, below the clocks, sort of behind the washer/wiper stalk ...

nah, its some kind of 'relay' type thing that seems to control when the illuminations come on and when they don't (i.e. when the headlights are on)

I'm not even sure if it is the switch that i've blown.

I'm really at a loss where to start looking for the problem, i just don't have enough information about the circuit and the layout of the car to figure out whats going on.

I was kinda hoping some one might have the Mazda garage manual (if there is one) to hand to look up the problem. If you do then i'm quite happy to solve it myself if you can send me the relevant pages.

I'm getting my £50 for the expert ready, but i hope i can put it back into the car / pub fund

Adam

you should always disconnect the battery when anything electrical is installed/disconnected, as it could spike modules or blow circuits, that sort of stuff.

Have you tried bridging out the reostat From memory it should be a 3 wire plug, one 12v positive, one earth and one wire going to the dash lights. If you can work out which is which (be 100% sure) you can bridge the 12v straight to the light circuit and rule out the reostat. Are you sure it's not a blown fuse Do your side/tail/reg. plate lamps work OK


edited to say.... yes, your external lights do work don't they

hey robbie,

it sounds liek you know what your on about, i'm slightly reluctant to wire round something as it has to be there for a reason, and i don't know what the reostat does?

Is it located behind the dashboard?

Everything else works on the car except the dials illuminated and the switches illumination (i.e. heating, fog light switches) would that still point to the reostat being knackered?

Cheers for everyones help so far guys

Adam

The reostat is just a name for the wheel bit you move to dim the dash lights. If you temporarily bridge it out to see if everything work you'll at least then know where the problem lies

before you screw anything up - can i just say that if you are unsure about anything please check with an auto electrician...

I work with low level components and understand most principles of circuit design and structure, but sometimes the wiring in the car baffles me!!!

Oh - and egnore what your fuse cover in the engine bay says - its crap! as i found out when i had a blown fuse! 'main' - main beam?

Nope! lol

Funny you say that Tucker101uk, I reckon car wiring is dead easy to understand All common earth, direct current and what-not Ditto the bit about being sure though