Dashboard illumination Series 2a/3

I don’t appear to have any illumination on my dashboard. I only got the car yesterday so don’t know when it stopped working!

There’s a switch on the dash that I think is to turn it on/off but it doesn’t do anything. I’ve tested it across the rear terminals in the off and on positions and I’m getting a closed circuit reading of both which makes it even stranger! Any guidance on how I can get the binnacle out and then do a proper test?

I think it’s a Series 3 dash and it’s the top left toggle switch? On the back it’s the white one with the terminals ‘V’ shaped.

I’m hoping it’s just failed bulbs and a a switch that requires replacement…

Thanks in advance.

If the switch is closed on both switched states then you need a new switch, easy to check the bulbs with a DVM or a bit of wire on the battery

kermit_rr said:

If the switch is closed on both switched states then you need a new switch, easy to check the bulbs with a DVM or a bit of wire on the battery

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Thanks - guessed that was the case. I’m really after advice on how to get the binnacle out and the location of the lights/cables for it. I know Haynes do a couple of books but would be good to know which is best.

Isn't it just 2 screws, one on either side? If you can release the speedo cable it will come out a bit further, lots of excuses for cables to come unplugged without noticing
If you don't know what state the wiring is in, behind there, then disconnect the battery do you don't get any surprises

The binicle is just held in place with two screws, one of which is shown in your pic. I find it easiest to remove the steering wheel to allow more room. The appetures that hold the bulb holders become a bit sloppy and the bulbs drop out of the back of the instruments. At best, the.illumination is poor, upgrade to led bulbs.

Col

From experience, the cheapest LEDs don't last when exposed to heat and vibration

If Im driving the landy in the dark, I just guess what speed Im doing. Ive probably spent more time fiddling with the dash bulbs that on anything else, including talking to the wife.

Co!

My Landy is wired such that for the dash lights to be in, you need both the dash light switch on *and* the sidelights/dipped/main beam on, too. Kinda makes sense.

Maybe you've not got your regular lights on, too.

And yes, be very careful about moving wires of unknown condition around, with the battery connected. There aren't many fuses on the Landy, and the unfused/unswitched wires behind the dash (to the inspection lamp socket) really scare me!

Adam

Follow the wiring diagram, take your time, chase the positive. The bulb holder would be my guess. Put a blob of solder on the tip of the numb contact and that might be enough.

Thanks folks, yes tried multiple options with different switches on/off etc but no success. Will start labelling cables and remove the dash at some point this week. It sounds like there bulb phasers are a weak spot- any aftermarket alternatives available?

Remove the dash?? Do you mean the binnacle? Removing the dash top doesnt help at all cos the instruments are in a metal suround.

Col

Colthebrummie said:

Remove the dash?? Do you mean the binnacle? Removing the dash top doesnt help at all cos the instruments are in a metal suround.

Col

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Yes the dash/binnacle - always been of the opinion it’s the same thing because back in the day dash meant drivers’ instrument cluster. I think it was the Americans who started off confusing things by saying the dash is the bit that goes across the front of the car!

This is the best manual , you can buy hard copies too
http://www.retroanaconda.com/landrover/2010/03/series-iii-workshop-manual/

I had same problems with dash lights and found the power was supplied ok when sidelight switch was on but the panel switch was duff. Replaced panel switch, still no lights. I ran new earths from both clocks to bolt on metal panel, hey presto lights worked and added bonus that all the warning lights are now nice and bright even with standard bulbs. This is what i found after removing instruments. You can just make out the bundle of earths (RING TERMINALS) to the left of the steering column, they were bolted to the back of the clocks but had poor connections and high resistance to earth

Testing the bulbs and checking the earth/s first would seem a good idea before delving into wiring generally.

As a point of interest I decided to try mine the other night and when I put the lights on the gauges light up, regardless of which way the switch with the little dial icon below it is set. I suppose I've never wanted to have the gauges unlit before so had no idea the switch didn't do anything!

It may be like yours, contacts closed which ever way it is set but as Kermit says you will need a new switch. However if you run tests and get to the bottom of why the gauge lights are not working, you could just ignore the switch unless you really want to turn them off.