For some strange reason, I just noticed the dashboard lights "Climate/Audio/ Seek/Track/ AM/ FM/ Disc" do not work. When I play with the dashboard accessory light and dim the lights, it will briefly trigger the accessory lights to work, but then flicker between on and off. When the accessory lights are turned to their brightest setting, the accessory lights no longer work. Any help?
Take it to the dealer? At first, I was going to suggest maybe a blown fuse but it sounds more serious than that.
Hmmm.. so I'm assuming this isn't a common problem amongst Prius models? It's not a big issue, all cosmetic and I would rather not spend the arm and leg they charge for electrical labor.
I would've guessed fuse too. Check the manual for the location of the fuse (and see if anything associated with that fuse is also not working).
I assume that you are referring to the variable resistor on the dashboard, to the left of the steering column, that can be rotated to change dashboard illumination. If the lights work at least some of the time, then there's nothing wrong with any associated fuse. Since the lights flicker, that is an indication that the variable resistor needs to be replaced.
Hi Patrick, How to remove & replace this variable resistor without removing the dashboard? I have similar problem with my 2004 Prius. Thanks
You need to remove the ventilation duct located at the far left, by pulling it out horizontally. Then you can remove one or two screws that secure the plastic dashboard panel that the light control lives in, and then you'll have access to the control.
