Dashboard lights flickering but not caused by headlamp switch.

[Ian&Sue]

We have had this issue ever since we got our Z but it's not been a big problem as we rarely use it in the dark. We assumed it was caused by the usual headlamp switch rheostat problem so tried bridging the stat in the usual way but this didn't work. We then got a second hand switch but that didn't work so we decided to bite the bullet & paid a Kings ransom for a new switch. Finally got around to fitting it yesterday but the dashboard lights are still flickering. So guessing its probably a dodgy connection or a trapped/broken wire somewhere. Has anyone else had this? Any thoughts or suggestions gratefully received.

 

[t-tony]

Pull the dash out and check all the connectors are fully clipped in. Easy job.

Tony.

 

[Ian&Sue]

Thanks Tony, was thinking that should probably be the next step & maybe take the switch back out & jiggle a few wires to make sure they are all seated in the connector properly. Cheers.

 

[Ian&Sue]

Pull the dash out and check all the connectors are fully clipped in. Easy job.

Tony.

Had the instrument pod out today (followed your how to guide so thanks for that, as you said easy job.) everything properly clipped in, removed & reclipped everything, checked for any trapped wires etc. all looks a it should but lights still flickering. Took the headlamp switch out & checked for any trapped wires etc. had a good jiggle around, unclipped the connector & sprayed with contact cleaner, again all looks as it should but lights still flickering. Not sure where to go from hear? Don't ya just love car electrics!

 

[t-tony]

The bulbs haven't been swapped for LEDs by any chance have they?
That can cause a flicker.

Tony.

 

[Ian&Sue]

The bulbs haven't been swapped for LEDs by any chance have they?
That can cause a flicker.

Tony.

No, the flickering is very random & sort of undulates around the panel. If you fiddle with the dimmer switch you can get it to settle down but not get rid of it completely. We could live with the flickering & only changed the switch because of the fire risk but would like to get to the bottom of what's causing it in case it's a symptom of something else.

 

[Ian&Sue]

The bulbs haven't been swapped for LEDs by any chance have they?
That can cause a flicker.

Tony.

Do you know off the top of your head where the earth points are on Z3s. If not don't worry about it we'll look it up. Was talking to my 93 year old Dad (who up until retirement spent all his life in garage trade) his first thought was if it's not the switch & everything is connected up OK have you checked the earths or is there a dry solder joint? Not that I'm going to be checking anything until its warmed up a bit it's colder than the inside of a freezer in our garage at the moment.

 

[t-tony]

Definitely worth looking into.

Tony.

 

[Nodzed]

Managed to do a bit of research, symptoms tend to point towards either battery or earth issues or alternator issues.

 

[Ian&Sue]

Definitely worth looking into.

Tony.

Thanks Tony, always pays to start with the basics I guess. Could have saved £140 odd quid if we'd done these checks first . Dad was saying they used to get this kind of problem on one of the Rover models regularly & 9 times out of 10 if you cleaned the earth it sorted the problem out.
Thanks, Ian & Sue.

 

[Ian&Sue]

Managed to do a bit of research, symptoms tend to point towards either battery or earth issues or alternator issues.

Thanks Nodzed, Pretty sure it's not the battery or the alternator so hopefully it's the earth & an easy fix.
Cheers, Ian & Sue.

 

[Nodzed]

Thanks Nodzed, Pretty sure it's not the battery or the alternator so hopefully it's the earth & an easy fix.
Cheers, Ian & Sue.

You could be right but unless the other two are checked you won't really know. The most common reason was in fact the alternator.