intermitten instrument panel lights

1988 chrysler lebaron with digital instrument cluster: panellights goes dim
at times then comes back to normal next startup. works ok othertimes for
short period. at other times can't read inst., panel in day light. little
better at night. all other lights ok. anybody got any ideas on what to do
or what to check for?

 

If you turn on your headlamps, then the instrument panels automatically dim!
It is a stupid feature as it always assumes it is night when you turn on
your lights, and thinks dimming you other dash lights is ok, as it is stil
dark enough to see.

 

do you have automatic headlights?

nate

 

no automatic headlights. problem exist with headlight switch off or on.

 

problem exist with headlight switch on or off.

 

My guess is that the panel dimmer is flaky. It's a common occurence on
LH cars, and it's likely that the resistance element in other dc
vehicles is similar or identical design/materials/source/problems. The
advice on the LH forums for the problem is to simply move the dimmer
knob to a slightly different spot - maybe move it thru its range a few
times in case it's a wiper dirt/corrosion problem. Last resort: replace
the dimmer.

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')