Dash lights not working, dome light stays on, etc.

Alrighty then...I'm having several electronic issues and I have a question (several actually...but we'll keep it short-ish).

Problems:
- My dash lights aren't working...to be clearer...the red pointers work and the warning lights in lower left area are fine...it's really the white (and any other) backlighting that doesn't seem to be working.
- Add to this...the dome light doesn't automatically turn off in either mode
- the window switches stay lit after the car is off (beyond the 5 mins)
- the passenger side A pillar switch/button is pushed into the frame and I'm not sure it was working anyway

Troubleshooting steps so far:
-I've tested the window operations based on several members recommendations and all seems to be fine there.
- The door locks properly manually and with the remote. But the interior door lock levers don't seem to be doing anything. What's supposed to happen when you pull up on them?
- A-pillar button: Once I dug it out of the frame, I pushed the button in for 2 mins to see if that would effect the dome light (or anything else) and it didn't seem to do anything. I am getting a new clip to reinstall it in the frame and test if that makes any difference.
- I am keeping the car on my Battery Tender so the battery stays fresh

Questions:
1. Could these issues be tied to one common problem?
2. Any suggestions on how to troubleshoot any or all of these issues?

Many thanks to those who have helped so far, but I wanted to consolidate in one thread with all of the issues. Thanks in advance!

 

Hi Kevin, can you take a photo? Pictures worth a thousand words.

For starters I recommend you check all your light fuses.

All the other issues you mentioned (dome light doesnt automatically turn off, window switch panel light remains on, etc) sounds like a light ECU fault.

I recommend do a system reset and turn off battery master power switch. Let it stay off for about 5 minutes then turn it back on and see if the problem goes away.

If not, see if you have a friend close by that owns a F430 and try to swap out light ECU module. If the problem goes away, then that's the culprit.

Hope that helps.

Dan

 

The intensity of the back lighting is adjustable with the buttons under the steering wheel, the dome light should turn off after you lock the doors with the remote. Not sure about your other bits

 

Thank you. That's the switch in the trunk, rt? Where do I find the ecu?

 

I've adjusted it up to full strength at 20. No change.

Dome light stays on unless I manually turn it off.

 

How old is your battery? Do you keep it fully charged? I have seen some weird crap just by battery voltage being slightly low...

 

Battery is brand new. During the mechanical PPI, it was determined the existing battery was very weak, so I had the dealer install a new battery. After purchasing the car, I had a detailer do some work on it and the new battery died on him. So, I think something was up already. Plus, I've been keeping her on a trickle charger so the battery shouldn't be an issue.

 

Erhm ... battery died while at the detailer -> they jump started the car (?) -> dash (etc.) is going crazy.

I'd search about jump starting 360 OR 430 - one really can do lots of harm by doing so.

 

No...detailer put it on a charger and waited until battery was charged before starting (actually, it wouldn't start until it was off the jack stands and back on the ground). No jump start done.

 

The pillar switch should have a plastic "ring" around it that keeps it in place in the frame. It's likely that it broke (mine did) and then pushed into the frame. You can test the switch with a multimeter/ohm-meter. The switch disconnects from the cable. Put the multimeter leads on each pin on the switch and it should show open, press the switch and there should be continuity.

I just ordered the switch plate from mine from Ricambi for $18.-apparently they didn't have any left so it is shipping from Italy.

 

Thank you. I'll do that with my multimeter. I have that ring part being sent to me from the guy who did my PPI (who's also thoroughly perplexed since he said he checked all of this stuff).

 

Yes, battery master power switch is in the trunk, top left side of the engine fire wall.

I will look at service manual and see where the light ECU is located. Will post later.

Dan

 

Here's a pic of my temporary switch plate until the one I ordered arrives! ;-)
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Here you go Kevin. See attached. ECU locations diagram.

You are after bubble 14.

If you know of anyone that can do a parts swap with you on the light ECU that would be a good troubleshooting approach in my opinion.

If you swap it with a good know part and your issues goes aways then you have a defective light module. If the problem persists, then its something else.

Hope that helps.

Dan

View attachment ECU locations.pdf

 

Good idea! Ghetto, but still good. Haha

 

Thank you, Dan. I can't see the file on my phone, but will check on my computer soon. Here's a pic of the dash as requested...

 

Was just forced to do this! Funny enough, i used a part of a Ferrari box.

where did you get the clip? I assume you're talking about the black circular part that holds in the switch? i have the rubber part and the new switch, but missing the critical piece.

Plus, the new a pillar switch didn't change anything...window switches still alight permanently (and ran down the battery in only 3 days...argh!)...so looks like it's going to have to go to an expert.

 

Kevin- Yep, it was the black circular part that somehow broke into 3 pieces. I ordered mine through Ricambi. It took a few days to get but no drama. Here's the link- https://www.ricambiamerica.com/car-diagrams/ferrari/v6-v8/430-group/f430-05-08/doors-opening-control-and-hinges/68917600-switch-plate.html

 

Thank you! That's the part I need.