few lighting issues 2000 sle
 

the first issue is that my dashboard will randomly flash various warning lights (such as the service engine soon) and then at the same time several lights will go out like the P,R,N,D etc.. i am thinking i have a cracked board under the dash but without cracking it open to take a look i was wondering if someone else had this issue?

second issue is my mute button in my steering wheel does not work and also rarely is actually lit up, is there a fix for this or should i just deal?

thanks guys,

not to bump or anything... but anyone have any ideas? i think that i have a cracked board under the dash... or some crazy grounding issue. As for the steering wheel buttons for the radio.. i am nervous about just digging to see what the problem is, anyone have any suggestions? any help would be great! thanks!

I *think* your issues are unrelated.

First step. Have your car scanned by a Tech2 (dealer) to see if you have any history codes for your Stability System. I bet you do. Those dash lights are not going to just come on by themselves.

Secondly, the center console lights are displayed by a single bulb, which is probably on its way to being burnt out. Replace it.

Third, your steering wheel buttons are easily replaceable. Either order a new one at the dealer (the part number is directly on the switch), or find a used on at the junk yard or ebay. Simply use a knife to pry them straight out. The 3 buttons come out as one assembly. I had this happen to my left button. I replaced it with a used one, good to go.

thank you very much for the help, the issues are unrelated and in hindsight should have placed them in seperate threads :P sorry, haha with the dash all of the lights (when it's doing this) some are blinking while others remain the way they should be, and some are not lit and should be. I took it into the garage and they said there was no code. it's a real mind f*ck :shock: let me tell yah... i was thinking that it's gotta be a grounding issue or perhaps my board is cracked in the dash... thanks for the help with the buttons, I will have to see if i cant get one from the junk yard or something... not worth buying a new one from the dealer.. too spendy :P

a regular code scanner will not pick up those codes. you need to use a Tech2 to get into the suspension codes.

take a picture next time it happens.

alright, it will more than likely happen in the near future.. it seems to happen regularily... i will get a picture and try and upload it soon :) thanks for the help man. I will also keep in mind the suspension issue.

The likelihood you have a cracked circuit board is extremely small. These boards are not prone to this type of failure. When do the lights go out (only when moving, when you hit a bump, if you press on the front of the cluster gently, etc)? Do you know if the cluster has ever been removed before?

I would recommend taking the instrument panel trim off and making sure the cluster is seated properly. If it was previously out, and not full installed again you may solve your problem doing this. There should be five clips around the outer edges that snap it into the dash.

As haro said, you'll need someone with a Tech 2 in order to retrieve many codes. If this isn't a seating issue, head off to a dealership.

ok so as i read into this i should go into more detail, the lights will flicker if i simply move my finger next to the dash (not touching the plastic) they will do it on bumps (more frequently) and if i do push the plastic on the dash it will change which lights are messed up, sometimes even fix it. I have no clue if the cluster has been touched simply because i bought it used. If it isn't hard to get the dash apart perhaps tonight I will get it open and make sure it looks like it's sitting in the right spot (is there an indicator?) is there a thread in tech info for removing the dash like that?

This thread relates to the install of an iPod adapter, however hawkjet did a fantastic job of detailing the instrument panel trim removal. There are some great pics and directions here.

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ic.php?t=84354