Dash lights Dim

[joedee]

Hi,
Put the marauder to bed for winter and bought a 08 GM. The dash lights are very dim even with the switch as high as it goes. Took it to the dealer, still has warranty, and they changed the light switch and dimmer dial. Still no good. Thinking about LED's. Not sure of the type or color or what is involved. Someone must have solved this problem. Help please.

:confused:

Joe

[SGT_MERC]

If the lights do not get brighter as the engine rpm's go up, could be the battery connection. If the lights do get brighter as the rpm's go up, could be the battery connection, bad battery or bad voltage regulator, which is in the alternator. Many possibilities. These are the things I checked before I realized my battery was bad.

[Spectragod]

If the GM is under warranty, I'd have them fix the problem BEFORE you change anything. Otherwise, they will be looking at your aftermarket goodies as the root cause of your cars issue.

[joedee]

Don't think it is battery related. Did some checking and this is a complaint that a few folks have complained about.

Joe

[TFB]

I'd think it must ave some type failure, the dash lamps in my '07 MGM are plenty bright and AFAIK cluster is basically same for '06-'11...

[joedee]

Well that is good to hear. I am going to take it back to the dealer tomorrow and see what the issue is.

Thank you,
Joe

[TFB]

I pulled out my '07 wiring diagram and most illumination is from LEDs, only the light control sw, manual A/C and floor shifter is shown to have a conventional bulb... My '07 is bright enough to capture a photo in total darkness...

http://members.cox.net/turbocoupe50/IMG_3872.jpg

BTW the dimming function is controlled within the LCM(Lighting Control Module), so since the switch has already been replaced I'd guess that was your problem...

[fastblackmerc]

I'd check, clean and make sure all the grounds are tight in the engine compartment.

[Spectragod]

A lot (most) of the dash/door lighting is pulse width modulated, if that's the case with the cluster, then you most likely have a cluster issue, as LED's have no draw(well, very little draw).



I pulled out my '07 wiring diagram and most illumination is from LEDs, only the light control sw, manual A/C and floor shifter is shown to have a conventional bulb... My '07 is bright enough to capture a photo in total darkness...

http://members.cox.net/turbocoupe50/IMG_3872.jpg

BTW the dimming function is controlled within the LCM(Lighting Control Module), so since the switch has already been replaced I'd guess that was your problem...

[joedee]

Thanks for all the feedback and pic. I will stop at the dealer today and see what they can do.

Joe

[joedee]

Just got back from the dealer. They checked everything out and could find nothing wrong! They did not have another GM with the digital read out to compare to. So, I have the dimmer control as high as it will go and you can see the lights at night but they are by no means bright. I guess I just need to find another car that I can compare to. I am still thinking of upgrading to the brighter leds but not sure what kind I need or the color. I asked the dealer but they did not have any advise on the brighter leds.

Joe