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How do you fix car dashboard lights?

My dashboard lights aren’t working, but I work at night and I need to see the gauges. I’d like to try finding the problem on my own before I bring it to a professional. What’s the best way to fix your car dashboard lights?

avatar
Joshua Levy · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Dashboard lights are more important than you think! Without them, driving at night is a difficult, dangerous task. Luckily, you can fix your dashboard lights by checking the dimmer, inspecting the fuses, or changing the bulbs.
Before you start digging around your car for answers, check the dimmer switch:
  • Locate the dimmer switch. It’s usually on a panel behind the steering wheel.
  • Raise the brightness.
  • If the lights turn on, then they aren’t broken!
  • If the lights don’t turn on, you may have blown a fuse.
To inspect your fuses:
  • Make sure your car is off.
  • Locate your car’s fuse box using the owner’s manual.
  • Identify which fuse belongs to the dashboard.
  • Remove it with pliers and inspect the fuse for any damage.
  • If the fuse is damaged, replace it.
  • If the fuse is fine, change your bulbs.
To change your dashboard bulbs:
  • Take off the trim around your gauge cluster.
  • Remove the fasteners keeping the panel in place.
  • Unplug everything from the panel so you can pull it out.
  • Locate and remove the bulb socket.
  • Replace the bulbs.
  • Reassemble the gauge cluster.
Congratulations! Your dashboard lights should be as good as new. If they aren’t, a trip to a repair shop is in order. While
mechanics
can be pricey, your dashboard lights are an important component of your car you shouldn’t ignore.
If you want to offset the price of a mechanic, start saving on car insurance with the
Jerry
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