4 Reasons the Dash Lights in Your Volkswagen Aren't Working
Whether you have the latest features like the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit or a more classic setup, your dashboard relies on lights. In the daytime, these lights make the instrument cluster easier to see; at night, they're absolutely vital. Because of this, dash lights that are dim, flickering, or that have gone out entirely are a major problem. Different causes may present different symptoms, some of which may not require a trip to the service center. Below, you'll find four major symptoms and what they mean.
4. The Dash Lights Are Too Dim
If the lights are dimmer than they should be, that could be good news. If it's daytime, start off by making sure you haven't accidentally turned your headlights on. Since the brightness of the dash lights changes when the headlights are on, that could be the cause. If not, check the dimmer switch (this one works in the day and at night). This switch controls the brightness of the lights. If it has accidentally been bumped, simply adjusting it should do the trick.
3. Part of the Dash Is Dark
While most modern dashboards use individual LEDs to illuminate the various lights and gauges, that wasn't always the case. Older models may have dashboards backlit by incandescent light bulbs. If your car is one of those, part of the dash being dark may mean that one of these bulbs has burned out. If you have a dashboard that's lit by LED lights, a partly dark gauge cluster is not likely, but may be a sign of deeper electrical problems that should be investigated by an expert.
2. The Entire Dash Is Dark
This one is the same for LED dashboards and incandescent-backlit ones: a completely dark dashboard often means that a fuse has been blown. You might fix this yourself by finding the right fuse and replacing it, or you can have it done at the dealership. One benefit of taking it to the dealer is that our technicians can inspect for deeper electrical problems. After all, fuses are in place to protect electrical systems from unsafe current levels. While the problem may have been a simple surge, it could also be a sign that your car needs electrical work.
1. The Dashboard Lights Are Flickering
Flickering, dim dashboard lights are a more common problem in much older models, and such flickering lights are often accompanied by other symptoms that something isn't right. The headlights may also be dim, the audio system may have trouble, and the battery may even die. If this is the case, the likely culprit is a bad alternator. When you're driving your VW, the alternator recharges the battery and powers the electrical systems in your car. A failing alternator can make all of these systems--including interior lights--falter and even fail. Scheduling a service appointment is a great way to make sure your VW can stay strong.
