Dashboard lights not working

2005 HONDA ELEMENT
144,000 MILES • 1.4L • 4 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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BILL HENSKE
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  • 3 POSTS
Hi,

The needle lights still works. The taillights, signals, etc., all work which are on the same fuse. I have checked the dimmer and it works. I even did the cardboard behind the instrument panel connector trick. If I drive with the heat blasting the lights come on after about 45 minutes. Any ideas?
Jul 18, 2020 at 8:56 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

I'm not familiar with the cardboard think. However, the idea that it works after it gets hot in the vehicle almost sounds like it could be a connection issue. Steel will expand as it gets hot. Have you checked the connector to the instrument panel? Also, there is a ground for the dash lights on the right side of the instrument panel. See the attached pic. See if that is tight or damaged.

Joe
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Jul 19, 2020 at 8:15 PM
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BILL HENSKE
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I did check the connections, cleaned and reseated. Unfortunately the problem just got resolved a few minutes later when someone t-boned me at an intersection on my way to get a new air filter. :(
Jul 21, 2020 at 8:46 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Wow! I hope you're okay. Did they run a red light?

Joe
Jul 21, 2020 at 10:03 PM
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BILL HENSKE
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I'm okay, thanks. My Element has been reduced to an unrepairable clunk. The woman was totally whacked out or suffering from some medical condition and wound up somehow driving off while I was on the phone with police.
Jul 23, 2020 at 8:32 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hopefully you were able to track her down. I'm glad to hear you are okay.

Please feel free to come back anytime in the future that you need help or have questions.

Take care,
Joe
Jul 23, 2020 at 9:33 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hopefully you were able to track her down. I'm glad to hear you are okay.

Please feel free to come back anytime in the future that you need help or have questions.

Take care,
Joe
Jul 23, 2020 at 9:33 PM