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355 Dash lights are on intermittingly

Discussion in '348/355' started by khcompt, Nov 8, 2024.

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  1. khcompt

    khcompt Karting
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    Dec 11, 2013
    55
    Halifax, Canada
    Full Name:
    Ken Compton
    #1 khcompt, Nov 8, 2024
    The dash lights on my 1999 355 F1 Spider do not stay on all the time when the head lights are turned on. I do all the annual maintenance on the car, as well as the odd mechanical repair from time to time (radiator replacement, roof hydraulic hose replacement, fuses ETC. )
    To date I have not tackled any wiring issues so would be most grateful for any trouble shooting tips from one who has had the same or similar issue.

    Thanks
    Ken
     
  2. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
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    Feb 20, 2015
    14,260
    Sydney
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    Ian Riddell
    #2 Qavion, Nov 8, 2024
    Last edited: Nov 8, 2024
    It’s usually the dimmer potentiometer (see knob on tachometer). Have you tried setting it to a slightly lower/higher setting or rotating the knob a few times to see if dislodges any corrosion on the potentiometer.

    Unfortunately, they are often expensive/hard to find. I think they are sealed, so it's probably not possible to blast it with some pot cleaner/electrical spray.

    The dash lamps are supplied with power from fuse 12 in the frunk (on the 5.2 car). Make sure it isn't melting. If it is a fuse issue, it will also affect your centre console button illumination, etc.

    If you need to replace the dimmer, the knob is a friction fit (pull firmly).

    Part number: 134406
     
    GatedF355GTB likes this.
  3. phrogs

    phrogs F1 Veteran
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    Apr 13, 2004
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    Kzoo Michigan
    #3 phrogs, Nov 8, 2024
    I lost my dash lights last year also noticed running lights were not working when I had headlights on it was a bad relay.
     
  4. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
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    Feb 20, 2015
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    Ian Riddell
    #4 Qavion, Nov 8, 2024
    That is, relay F which feeds the aforementioned fuse 12.
     
  5. khcompt

    khcompt Karting
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    Dec 11, 2013
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    Halifax, Canada
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    Ken Compton
    #5 khcompt, Nov 10, 2024
    Oavion:

    I was preparing to remove the instrument cluster to search for loose wires / connections..

    I didn't know the knob for the IP dimmer is located on the Tachometer !!!! I tried rotating it to bright and dim several times and voila the dash and associated light are staying on so far. I will give them a test drive soon and let you know if they continued to work.

    Thanks a bunch for sharing your knowledge.

    Ken
     
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  6. cactussed

    cactussed Formula Junior

    Mar 12, 2008
    286
    #6 cactussed, Nov 12, 2024
    I've owned the car nearly 20 years and I've never even touched (or noticed) that knob on the tacho! Just popped out to the garage and voila! Dimmer works just fine!
    Every day's a school day!
     
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