Dash lights intermittently stop working

1997 HONDA ACCORD
260,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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SANDRA POWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Dash lights flicker but won't stay on. Even after replacing sensor. And my speedometer stopped working. My radio works and lights up fine. Occasionally
speedometer and dash lights kick on then go out again.
Oct 15, 2021 at 11:33 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

I read through schematics for both the dash lights and the speedo. They both plug into the rear of the instrument panel. What I found is both are powered from different fuses, so I don't see that as a possible issue. Since both fail at the same time, I have a feeling the connection on the rear of the cluster is loose or corroded.

If that checks good, I need you to locate the black wire in the connector and check it for continuity to ground. The ground for this component has a large wire splice. The wire itself could be corroded or loose in that splice.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

When you check both the connection and the ground, while the connector is still attached to the cluster, move the wiring around to see if the lights flicker.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Joe
Oct 16, 2021 at 3:25 PM
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