Opel Corsa - dashboard lights - how do I turn them on?

Random · 26-11-2007 09:45PM #1

I've got an Opel Corsa. There's a little display which shows the time/date/radio station. When the lights are off this lights up. When the lights are on this goes dark.

This seems a bit mad to me. Surely you'd want it illuminated when the car lights are on, as it's no doubt dark outside?

Can anyone help me out with this?

colm_mcm · 26-11-2007 09:50PM

there's a dimmer switch beside the light switch a far as I remember, a thumb wheel.

crosstownk · 26-11-2007 09:50PM

Usually when you turn on the lights, the display dims so as it's not too glaring. I assume this uses a series resistance to do this. Maybe the series resistance is faulty.

Random · 26-11-2007 09:53PM

@colm_mcm
The dimmer switch controls the contract/brightness for the display with the speedometer etc on it. Doesn't have any effect on the time display in this case.

@crosstownk
How would I test or check this easily? Is it likely to be a loose wire or broken connector even though it works with the lights off?

Should this time display actually light up when the lights are on?

Dr.Millah · 26-11-2007 09:56PM

In my 00 corsa b the dimmer effects the clock display also.
Must be something faulty in the electrics if its not working i would guess?

crosstownk · 26-11-2007 09:59PM

ciaranfo wrote: »

How would I test or check this easily? Is it likely to be a loose wire or broken connector even though it works with the lights off?

Should this time display actually light up when the lights are on?

Yes - at least it does on my Zafira, and every other Opel I've driven. It has to - -the radio is useless without it.

If it is a series resistance, I imagine it's in the light switch. The other possibility is that the light switch switches the feed to lower wattage bulbs - if that's the case then it could be blown bulbs behind the display. I'll ask my friendly Opel dealer tomorrow and see what they have to say. What year is your Corsa?

Random · 26-11-2007 10:05PM

It's a 99 and I believe it's an Opel Corsa Eco.

My first car and I really don't wanna be popping into the garage unless absolutely needed!

Holsten · 26-11-2007 10:26PM

It should just dim down when you have the lights on, it shouldn't go completely off.

Random · 26-11-2007 10:31PM

It does. So I should pop down to an Opel dealer? Will they know what I'm on about? Will they charge me an arm and a leg? Will they laugh me outta the place?

Is this something simple or stupid I should be able to sort myself?

Opel Corsa - dashboard lights - how do I turn them on?

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