[daryljoe]

I do not know if they are related but instrument panel lights come on when i turn on the key but go out after a few seconds. Also it asks me to test break light. I tap the break and the request goes away. The instrument cluster lights do not come on during night driving. Almost like i'm running with only daytime lights on. I just purchased this 1996 900 SE turbo. Also the interior lights are not coming on. Do not know if the two are related. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Flystagg]

try your dimmer switch on the lower left, and black panel button on sid. test brakes msg is normal. interior bulbs may be burned out? they are easy to replace.

 

[daryljoe]

Sorry just got the car tonight so I am a noob. what is the black panel button on sid? Can it still be dimmer even though they come on during key turn?
Thanks ps Thanks for quick consideration.

 

[Flystagg]

look for a button above the radio that says black panel. I don't think that is the problem though. and check that the dimmer switch works properly.

All your gauges work, but are dark correct?

 

[daryljoe]

Right all work as designed just black at night.

 

[daryljoe]

ps the info center is lit up and showing display. it seems to be just cluster.

 

[BobSaabit]

The black panel button is used to shut off most all the instrument lights for driving on the highway at night. Push it once and all the dash lights should come back on. Push it again and they will shut off. Like others said, make sure the dimmer is turned up - the 900 gets very dim on the low setting.

The test brake message is telling to step on the pedal so that the car can test to make sure the brake lights come on. As long as the message goes away, they are fine.

There is an interior light switch on the console that should be in the center position most of the time. That will allow the lights to come on when the doors open, etc. In the front or back positions it manually turns on interior lights.

 

[daryljoe]

Don't know if this is important but when i hit the black out switch it shuts off the gauges. Like off not lights it turns off the gauges. They all drop to zero while car keeps running.

 

[BobSaabit]

Don't know if this is important but when i hit the black out switch it shuts off the gauges. Like off not lights it turns off the gauges. They all drop to zero while car keeps running.

That's correct too. Everything but the speedo will drop.

If a gauge gets into the danger zone (e.g. temp too high or gas too low) it will light that gauge back up and turn it back on.

 

[Flystagg]

that is what it is supposed to do. If the dimmer switch has no effect on your instrument lights it could be bad. not promising that is your problem though just my best guess.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1998-SAAB-9...es&fits=Make:Saab&hash=item48626c0e9a&vxp=mtr

 

[daryljoe]

Is there a trick to pulling the dimmer. I can get the blank next to it out but am having issue pulling the headlight dimmer switch.