1995 Mitsubishi Montero 95 Montero LS Dashlights out, stuck

1995 MITSUBISHI MONTERO
224,020 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
ROD JENNINGS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have had the typical altenator/oil leak issue repaired and have a new, known-good battery and alternator installed, now the intstrument cluster lights, center guage 'pod' back-lights are out, also, the climate controls are 'stuck' on defrost (heat and fan control works fine though) The fuses are good, and the transmission position indicator lights work, clock lights up and dims when headlights are on - but, no dash/pod lights(?!)
Nov 24, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi rod jennings,

Thank you for the donation.

Are the taillights working?
Did you check the taillight fuse?
Nov 24, 2009 at 5:46 PM
Avatar
ROD JENNINGS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have checked all of the usual starting points, the tail lights work, the fuses are good, The dash, pod lights do not back-light at all, and when I turn on the headlights the gear (automatic) position lights go out completely. Other than that the guages work fine. The reason I suspect a module or relay is the HAVC controls are 'stuck' on defrost - a default mode I'm guessing.

Anybody run into this? Can you tell me what/where the problem component could be?

Thanks!
Nov 29, 2009 at 4:59 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 41,814 POSTS
It could be due to a bad ground connections around the dash area. Was any repairs carried out prior to this happening?
Nov 30, 2009 at 2:27 PM
Avatar
ROD JENNINGS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
It may be a ground, however, does that explain the HVAC stuck in defrost (regardless of the dial position)? - I know of no work done except the altenator replaced...
Nov 30, 2009 at 10:08 PM
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 41,814 POSTS
From our database, the mode selsctor is manual and uses a cable to control the various positions. There is a possibility you have more than one problem. Check if the cable is detached from its position.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_ModeSelsctor95MonteroFig03_1.jpg

The dash and taillights uses the same circuit so that rules out power supply or switch problem. If your vehicle is equipped with dimmer control, check if it is adjusted correctly.
Dec 1, 2009 at 8:29 AM