Hey guys!

I was out driving my car tonight and noticed something funny. The dash backlight (the red that lights up the tach and speedo, etc) shines a bright red. Then I look down and I see it fade out a little, and come back. It continued to do this the entire way home. Does anyone have ideas? I thought if the dash bulbs were going they would just shut off. Thats why I think it could be some kinda electrical thing. Ideas?

 

Check your voltage. It could be that your voltage regulator is going bad.

 

My voltage meter is showing great voltage. Dont know if that helps you guys.

 

Voltage meter is a rough approximation. Check the voltage with a volt meter.

 

I havent had a chance to check the voltage yet but I will. Could this also be the reason why when I press the lock button for my doors the locks go down very slowly?

 

Update to the situation. When the dash lights fade, all of the other control backlights fade (heated seats, climate control, mirror pad). I noticed that when I push on the dash, the lights light up bright like they should. If I release my hand they fade off and start to blink again. What kind of connector is back there that is loose?

 

OK so maybe a loose ground connection somewhere. I know this isn't much help, but electrical problems are a PITA

 

Possibly, could this be related to my issue of not being able to lock the entire car from the key via outside?. Any info on what to check would be appreciated!

 

Fiddle with the little ****/handle that you use to adjust your clock. That little **** is also used to adjust the illumination of your gauges. If it's loose, or hasa short, thatthat could be causing your problems.

 

This is normal. There is an ambient light sensor that changes the brightness of the cluster, radio etc. As the ambient light changes (from driving through shadows, sunlight changing angles etc.) the lighting will fluctuate some.