It can be uncomfortable and occasionally dangerous if you are driving at night when any of the lights on your Toyota Corolla have issues, whether they be the headlights, dome lights, dashboard lights, or any other lighting. The problem’s root cause can be an easy repair or a sign of something more serious. To perform some simple problem-solving procedures, you don’t need to be an expert in automotive or electrical systems. Many times, you won’t even need to take your automobile to a professional to fix the problem.
In This Article...
Step 1
Decide what kind of issue it is, such as whether the lights are dim or not on at all. Also note whether all of the lights are impacted or just one or a few of them. This assists in identifying the issue’s root cause.
Step 2
Find the lighting controls and try them. The dashboard lights on several Corolla models have a knob for dimming them. Make sure the lights are getting power by turning the dimmer up. The location of this knob is often to the left of the steering wheel. Additionally, Corollas can come with a master switch for the interior lighting, which is normally found on the center console. Check to see if the switch is in the “On” position. Consult your Corolla’s owner’s manual to find out where the on/off switches and dimming knobs are located exactly.
Step 3
Verify the car’s total power. The car’s battery may be low or dead if other equipment, like the radio or windshield wipers, are acting erratically or not at all. If necessary, recharge or swap out the battery. In a Corolla, the battery is normally found in the engine compartment just behind the driver-side headlight.
Step 4
Check the fuses. Some lighting features won’t get power from the battery if one or more fuses are damaged. The two main fuse boxes of a Corolla are situated in the engine compartment on the driver’s side, immediately behind the battery, and beneath the dashboard on the driver’s side, to the left of the steering wheel, frequently behind a little door. Fuse pullers should be used to remove the fuse before removing the cover or door to inspect the fuses. The fuse has to be replaced if the metal connector inside the plastic is damaged.
Step 5
Verify the lightbulb’s integrity. The light bulb can be burned out if only one or two of the lights are not working but the fuse is still in place. Depending on how easily they can be removed, some bulbs could be challenging. You can check to see if the filament is still intact if you can take the light bulb out of the socket. Make sure to get an exact model replacement if you decide to replace the light. To find out the model of the bulb, see your Corolla’s owner’s manual or get in touch with the service department of your neighborhood Toyota dealer.
Check to see if the electrical conductivity of the light’s wiring. Connect the test light’s negative lead to the negative terminal of the vehicle’s battery. Next, join the positive wire on the headlight wiring harness to the positive lead on the test light tool. Consult your owner’s handbook for the wiring diagram if you’re unsure which wire is the positive wire. The test light tool’s light will glow if the light is receiving power. If the test light tool is inoperative, there can be an issue with the wiring that connects it to the light.
Why are the dashboard lights on my Corolla dim?
My wife recently confided in me that she was finding it difficult to see the dash lights in her car while making her morning commute to work. Even though the solution was simple, I understood that many people who are not particularly mechanically competent would find it difficult to solve the problem. I made the decision to write this essay in order to assist others.
The majority of the time, modern automobiles automatically change the dashboard brightness based on the time of day when the headlights are switched on, which is why the dashboard lights normally fade when the headlights are turned on. If you want to bring the light levels back to the desired brightness, try setting the dimmer switch on your car.
Here are a few illustrations of how a dimmer switch may appear in your car:
What is the cost of replacing dashboard lights?
Your dashboard’s lights can tell you a lot of things, from when your headlights are on to whether you have transmission issues or need to have your car serviced. Professionals in the automobile industry refer to these lights as being part of an instrument cluster together with your fuel gauge and speedometer. Most of the time, it is not necessary to replace just one or two of these lights because the cluster will already include all of the warning and monitoring lights, and in more recent cars, individual bulbs are rarely changed.
Because the majority of vehicles require disassembling the entire dashboard and, in some cases, the steering column, replacing instrument clusters can be extremely difficult. The average cost for a professional to replace your car’s dashboard lights is $951.
How are dash lights fixed?
Advice: Consult your car’s owner manual if you’re having trouble finding it.
- Step two is to change the dimmer switch.
- Find the fuse for the dashboard lights as the first step.
- 2. Remove the fuse and examine it.
- First, take off the trim covering the gauge cluster.
- Step 2 is to take the fasteners out.
- Remove the gauge cluster in step three.
How can I make my Toyota Corolla’s dashboard brighter?
Congratulations on purchasing your first automobile! I’m delighted to report that the Corolla’s *dashboard light controls** make it simple to turn on and adjust your dashboard lights. Use them as follows.
Typically, when you start your automobile, your dashboard lights should come on. If they don’t, your dashboard light controls may have them completely dimmed.
Find the dashboard light switch to the left of the steering wheel once your car is running. This will either be a knob or a wheel, depending on the year of your Corolla. Next to the control, you should see a tiny image of your speedometer. You can adjust the brightness or dimness of your dashboard light with the control.
If the dashboard lights are still not functioning, a fuse may have blown. Although they are quite simple to replace, you’ll need to see a professional.
It’s a big thing getting your first car! You might have to pay more for insurance if you’re a new driver or a young one. With Jerry, the insurance super app, you can make sure you’re getting the most affordable insurance imaginable! For free, instant, affordable insurance quotes, download Jerry today!
Why don’t dash lights function?
A blown fuse can be at blame if the dashboard lights are completely unresponsive. A blown fuse may usually be removed and replaced; but, if the fuse blows again, it may be a sign of a more serious electrical issue that requires professional attention.
What does it signify if the lights on your dashboard fail?
Your car may have blown a fuse if the dashboard is completely dark. The lights should start working again after removing the old fuse and replacing it. The replacement fuse might fix the issue, but it could also be a sign of a more serious electrical issue.
Photo 1: Remove the radio
If necessary, use a set of radio removal tools to pry the radio out (available for a few dollars at any auto parts store). In order to access the screws for the panel above, take off the panel and remove the bottommost trim panel screws.
Photo 2: Disconnect electrical connectors
To access the electrical connector and speedometer cable, remove the screws holding the instrument cluster assembly in place (older vehicles).
Photo 3: Pull the bulbs
Turn the lightbulb socket a quarter turn before pulling it out straight. Replace the lightbulb on your instrument panel.
You have undoubtedly changed your own burned-out headlights and taillights. But if you put off changing burned-out dashboard lights because you thought the work was too difficult, your justifications are now exhausted. On a 1999 Ford Taurus, we’ll demonstrate how to take down the trim panels and instrument panel. But practically every car can benefit from these disassembly guidelines. Before you begin the project, purchase several packages of new bulbs from an auto parts store and prepare to spend around two hours replacing all the instrument cluster bulbs at once. By handling this yourself, you’ll save the expense of an hour or two of shop time.
Dash trim panel removal is really simple. Determining which panel to remove first is the challenging part. Exploded diagrams from a shop manual come in handy in this situation. The most comprehensive diagrams are provided in online factory manuals (search online for “factory manuals for your car model; most are available free or for minimal cost). Even if you detest reading service manuals, remember these crucial two advice: To access the bottom trim panel screws, we had to first remove the bottom-most trim panel and the Taurus radio (Photo 1). The screws for the panel above it are always concealed by a lower panel. Second, don’t pull harder if a panel won’t pop out. Look closer; you must have overlooked a retaining screw.
Then, using a non-marring tool, pry at a corner of the instrument cluster trim. Purchase a set of nylon pry tools (available for a few dollars at auto supply shops) or tape the tip of a butter knife with electrical tape (screwdrivers can damage the dash). To remove the spring clip panel fasteners, insert the tool and snap it quickly.
Any electrical connectors must be disconnected before disconnecting the negative battery terminal. Next, unplug the switches’ and controls’ connectors before lifting the panel out. A lock/release tab is present on every electrical connector. Before attempting to unplug the connector, release it. To access the cluster retaining screws, first remove the instrument cluster bezel (plastic glass). Pull the electrical connectors apart by tilting the cluster forward (Photo 2). Locate the bulb sockets, remove the cluster, and flip it over. Replace the outdated bulbs with the new ones (Photo 3). To prevent skin oils from touching the glass, handle them with a clean cloth or gloves. But take care. If you squeeze a miniature bulb out of its socket too firmly, it may shatter and sever your fingers. If the bulb is stubborn, pull it out using a little screwdriver.
How can I brighten the dashboard lights?
The rotary switch that manages the headlights is located in the lower-right area of the dashboard. A set of sliding controls for the dashboard light brightness and headlight aiming are located on the same switch panel, just to the left of the primary headlight switch (just to its left).
The dashboard lights automatically dim when the car’s headlights are turned on, and occasionally this doesn’t provide enough illumination to plainly see the gauges in strong sunlight. However, you may adjust the dashboard lights to their brightest setting by keeping the adjustment slide in the up position.
Where is the fuse for the lights on my dashboard?
We’ve all probably encountered a dashboard that is no longer lit at some point or another. While you may find it frustrating to fix and try to drive without dependable dashboard lighting, doing so can also prevent you from viewing crucial vehicle-related information while you are driving. Continue reading to learn how to check your dashboard light fuses if you want to take matters into your own hands and possibly find a solution to your dark dashboard. We want to keep you and your car safe while traveling!
Fixing Dashboard Lights: Finding a Blown Fuse
To identify the fuses for your dashboard, consult your owner’s manual. The fuse box for the instrument panel is typically found inside the car, on the driver’s side.
The owner’s manual or the interior of the fuse box should contain a diagram that outlines the functions of each fuse.
Remove the fuse using needle-nose pliers, then check inside the clear portion of the end. The two prongs jutting out should be joined by a slender piece of metal. The fuse has blown if the thin metal is broken. (If the fuse is opaque, search for any burn marks or damage.)
Replace the blown fuse by either inserting a fresh one or by replacing the old one with the new one. Make sure the new fuse’s amperage is the same as the old fuse if you’re replacing it. Damage or even a fire may arise from not using the same amperage.
Can a defective alternator result in dash lights not working?
Your electrical system’s survival is down to the alternator. If your dashboard lights or headlights start to dim or flicker, your alternator may be failing. When the headlights or dash lights start to dim, an alternator problem is obvious. Additionally, you might observe that your power windows and seats start operating more slowly.