Problem with dashboard backlighting

[Razor]

I just noticed this morning that the backlighting on my dashboard has started doing it's own thing.

One minute it's bright, the next it's dim and pressing the switch doesn't affect it at all.

Could this be a dodgy switch (even though I've hardly used it) or something else - a loose wire perhaps?

In fact has anybody else had this problem?

[Root Ginger]

Have a look at this post I just er... posted!

Could be a possible BCU gremlin.

http://www.mini2.com/forum/faults-fi...ml#post2672181

[Razor]

Cheers for that I'll give it a go!

[Razor]

Quote: Originally Posted by Root Ginger (original)

Have a look at this post I just er... posted!

Could be a possible BCU gremlin.

http://www.mini2.com/forum/faults-fi...ml#post2672181

Reset the BCU as per your instructions (great instructions BTW ) but it made nor difference any other ideas?

[Lorri]

Hello Razor

Hope you get it sorted.

[Razor]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lorraine (original)

Hello Razor

Hope you get it sorted.

Thanks Lorriane

I hope I get it sorted too - otherwise the inside gonna be like Blackpool Illuminations on those long dark winter evenings!!

[deanquartermaine]

I would say nip it to a dealer they will be able to tell you what it wrong (even more so if its still under 3yr warrety)

[Razor]

Quote: Originally Posted by deanquartermaine (original)

I would say nip it to a dealer they will be able to tell you what it wrong (even more so if its still under 3yr warrety)

I'm sure they would but my MINI is now over 4 years old - so they're likely to charge me quite nicely for the privilege!!

[cristo]

If you're talking about the brightness of the odometer and temperature display,
there is a light sensor that varies its brightness depending on the ambient light.
If you shine a penlight on the sensor (near the bottom center of the speedo) the
odometer light gets real bright, and if you put your hand over it, it gets dim.
If you're talking about the rest of the background lighting, then you have something wrong
with the switch, wiring, or BCU..

[Razor]

Quote: Originally Posted by cristo (original)

If you're talking about the brightness of the odometer and temperature display,
there is a light sensor that varies its brightness depending on the ambient light.
If you shine a penlight on the sensor (near the bottom center of the speedo) the
odometer light gets real bright, and if you put your hand over it, it gets dim.
If you're talking about the rest of the background lighting, then you have something wrong
with the switch, wiring, or BCU..

It is the brightness of the odomter, etc that's affected - however pressing the switch to adjust the brightness of any of the lighting makes no difference.

[cristo]

The switch should change the background lighting. . . I think it's push steadily to brighten
and tap several times to decrease (unless it's the other way around). This doesn't affect the
odometer and temp gauge, however, which respond to changes in ambient light.

Sounds like your switch is wonky.

[Razor]

Quote: Originally Posted by cristo (original)

Sounds like your switch is wonky.

Is it easy enough to change myself rather than take it to a dealer and pay their extortionate prices?

[minitoo]

I'm thinking Cristo may be on the right track. My Blazer does this and it is related to the daytime running lights which are always on. During the day some of the dash lights are bright and when it darkens at night (or in tunnels or parking garages) they dim so as to not overwhelm the driver in the dark. During rainy days or near twilight the dash lights will often hunt dim/bright depending upon the ambient light. Not sure if MINI's with DRL do this also as I have mine turned off but I would think that a MINI would at least be as smart as a Chevrolet. If MINI dash lights don't come on with DRL's ....well never mind and good luck.

[Razor]

Okay sorted it!

Cristo was right and in fact I don't even appear to have a problem with the switch - I was holding it in instead of tapping it to reduce the brightness!

Although Nikki (she was in the passenger seat at the time when I noticed it) says the brightness of the lights didn't appear to be affeted by ambient lighting - it was more random - so perhaps reseting the BCU did do something after all - cheers Root Ginger

Anyway problem sorted so I'm a happy bunny.

Thanks to all those that replied.