The instrument lighting on the Lada Kalina is not on - is it time for the car to landfill?
Content
The dashboard of any car is designed to inform the driver about the technical condition of the car. If in the daytime all sensors are clearly visible, then at night for their normal viewing it is necessary that the backlight works. There are times when the backlight of the instruments on the Lada Kalina ceases to function and it is difficult for the driver to control the readings at night. This not only creates inconvenience to control, but can also lead to dangerous situations when the driver is distracted to see the information on the dashboard.
Why is the instrument panel illumination off on the "Lada Kalina"
During the operation of "Lada Kalina", situations may arise when the dashboard illumination disappears. If this happens, then it is necessary as soon as possible to find the cause of the breakdown and eliminate it. There are several reasons for the disappearance of the backlight, but they are all related to the disruption of the vehicle's electrical network.
Removing the instrument panel
In most cases, before you establish the reason for the disappearance of the backlight on the dashboard "Lada Kalina", you first need to dismantle it.
To remove the dashboard, you will need the following tools:
- a set of keys;
- Phillips and flat head screwdrivers in different lengths.
The procedure for dismantling the instrument panel on the "Lada Kalina":
- Turn off the power to the vehicle. In order to prevent a short circuit during work, you must first disconnect the negative terminal from the battery. If this is not done, then there is a possibility of electrical equipment failure.
- Lower the steering column to the lowest position. This will allow easier access to the dashboard.
- Unscrew the two screws securing the lining, this will require a short screwdriver. Then it is carefully pulled out, while it is necessary to overcome the resistance of the spring clips. It is necessary to shake the pad and gradually pull it towards you.
To remove the cover, unscrew the two screws - Unscrew the console mount. It is also mounted on two screws installed along the edges of the case. The screws must be supported, otherwise they may fall inside the panel.The console is attached in two places along the edges of the case
- Disconnect the plug with wires. To do this, tilt the dashboard forward slightly and pull out the plug. To do this, use a screwdriver to push the catch on the plug to the right side.
- Take off the dashboard. Now that the instrument panel is holding nothing, it can be gently pulled out. The shield is turned a little and pulled to the side, it is easier to do it to the left.After disconnecting the plug, the instrument panel can be easily removed
When the dashboard has been dismantled, you can proceed to diagnostics and search for the reasons that caused its malfunction.
Video: removing the instrument panel
The brightness control is out of order
One of the very first actions to take when the dashboard backlight disappears is to check the brightness control. The driver himself or his passenger can knock the setting. There is a wheel on the panel with which the brightness of the instrument lighting is set. If it is twisted to a minimum, then the backlight may burn very weakly or not at all. It is enough to turn the wheel and adjust the brightness.
Fuse problems
The next step in troubleshooting is checking the fuses. To do this, you need to use the technical documentation of the car and find where the fuse is located, which is responsible for the illumination of the devices. The fuse box is located on the left side under the light switch cover.
Also, the purpose of the fuses is written on the cover and if you look closely, you can find where which one is. It is enough to replace the required fuse and if the problem is in it, the instrument lighting will start working. On the cover, the fuse responsible for the instrument lighting and interior lighting is designated F7.
In addition, the socket into which the fuse is inserted may be damaged, or a breakdown may occur inside the unit itself. To make a diagnosis, you will have to completely remove the fuse box. If the mounting block is out of order, then it must be replaced.
Wiring problems
One of the most unpleasant options is a malfunction of the car's electrical wiring, which leads to the failure of the instrument panel backlight. This can happen as a result of a broken wire. To identify it, you need to use a multimeter to check the wires that are responsible for powering the tidy backlight. You can define them on the car's electrical equipment diagram. After finding a break, it is eliminated and isolated.
In addition, the reason may be in the oxidized contacts of the mounting block or wiring blocks. In this case, disconnect the block near the fuse box and on the dashboard. After that, inspect and, if necessary, clean the contacts.
Bulb problems
An option is possible when the instrument panel illumination disappeared due to the failed bulbs. There are 5 bulbs on the Lada Kalina dashboard.
Replacing them yourself is easy:
- The dismantled instrument panel is turned over, since the bulbs are at the back.
- Take out the bulbs and check their performance with a multimeter. The cartridge is turned counterclockwise. If you have difficulty pulling the light bulb out of the socket with your hands, you can use pliers.The cartridge is turned counterclockwise and the bulb is pulled out
- Install new light bulbs. If a burned-out light bulb is detected, it is changed to a new one.
Video: replacing light bulbs
Burnt board
In some cases, the problem with the dashboard lighting can be associated with the failure of the control board. Some craftsmen try to restore it with a soldering iron, but this is a difficult process and only professionals can do it. Usually, when such an element fails, it is changed to a new one.
Tips from car enthusiasts and expert advice
There may be a break in the backlight brightness control circuit. There is a soldered spring in the adjustment rheostat - it tends to fall off. You can simply put a jumper, that is, bypass the rheostat, then the brightness will not be adjusted, or solder it back - you will need to remove the rheostat.
The contacts of the lamps often become loose, and they burn very quickly. I haven't changed one yet.
It’s better to immediately put LED instrument illumination bulbs, they are not much more expensive, but on a cloudy day or at sunset, the instruments are read with a bang .. Moreover, no alterations are needed, the base is suitable ...
You can do everything yourself, everyone basically does this, nothing complicated, the main thing is not to break everything, unscrew it, disconnect the connector. And check the bulbs, are they all intact, check the contacts. Maybe some bulbs burned out and it seems that it shines worse.
I also had such a problem. The backlight inexplicably disappeared, then turned on again. It's all about the cigarette lighter. It shortens the contact and the brains turn off the backlight. I unscrewed the trim under the gearshift lever and wrapped the wires near the cigarette lighter with electrical tape. All OK.
There's a spinner there. Shield brightness adjustment. It must be twisted, it will not help to either replace it or remove it completely and do it directly.
If the illumination of devices on the "Lada Kalina" has ceased to burn, then it is impossible to delay the elimination of the problem. This should be done as soon as possible. In most cases, it will take a maximum of 30-50 minutes to fix the problem.
