Because the dashlights are on all the time, even without the headlights,
your 9000 might be suffering from a different problem than the ones you
suggested. I remember hearing about an issue with the main electrical feed
to the fusebox. There is a very thick cable from the battery that is
connected to the fuse panel by a bolt and nut. In some circumstances, the
bolt and nut can come lose, causing a poor connection.
This isn't too difficult to examine and tighten - although my experience is
in a 9000 without the passenger airbag (around here, I believe cars of your
vintage would have one; maybe yours doesn't). I simply took out the glove
compartment by removing the compartment door and several torx screws that
held it in place. The fuse panel comes out after removing a couple more
screws. The cable to check is red and the thickest wire coming from the
bottom of the panel.
The only "light control" would be a relay that is also accessible when the
fuse panel is removed because the relay panel is part of the same assembly.
If that is the fault, it would definitely affect the headlights, but it
wouldn't likely cause a problem with the dash lights.
I hope this helps.
Walt Kienzle
1991 9000T
>I am being told there is a "light control," believed to be slim and silver,
> located (somehow) behind the glove box that could be going out. But where
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> I'm talking about my 1994 Saab 9000 CS Turbo here... By the way--say it's
> the VR instead; how would I know that, too!
Valjean - 25 Oct 2004 00:00 GMT
I have a feeling that having an airbag (you're right, this one does, as
said) is thwarting a resolution of this.
> Because the dashlights are on all the time, even without the headlights,
> your 9000 might be suffering from a different problem than the ones you
[quoted text clipped - 30 lines]
> > I'm talking about my 1994 Saab 9000 CS Turbo here... By the way--say it's
> > the VR instead; how would I know that, too!
SAABurger - 25 Oct 2004 18:34 GMT
I had flickering headlights and flickering dash illumination separately,
about a year apart. So it is possible you have two problems, but not
necessarily.
Starting with the easiest thing first, I would suggest the following (mostly
as already suggested by self and others):
1. Lighting Switch - pop from dash, remove and replace the connector at the
back; squirt of electical contact cleaner.
2. Dimmer Switch - pop from dash, remove and replace the connector at the
back; squirt of electical contact cleaner.
3. Instrument pod - remove dash lid, then pull and replace all three/four(?)
connectors. Take the opportunity to replace any blown instrument
illumination lamps while you are there.
4. Headlamps - ensure wire clips are in good shape and properly fitted;
remove units to bench if necessary.
5. Ignition switch - OK in my experience but suggested by someone else as a
likely cause.
6. Voltage regulator - unlikely in my opinion.
7. Other wiring/connectors/components.
You must try (1) and (2) first. I recall there was a nack to coaxing the
switch & rheostat from the dash but can't remember the details. Are there a
couple of pinch-barbs round the back of each? Anyone?
(1) - (4) are things that I've done in the past to help recover my lighting.
They are all reasonably simple and will cost little more than your own time.
(1), (2) & (3) were undertaken together, therefore not really possible to
say which was the culprit part. They collectively cured my dash flicker.
(3) cured my headlight flicker.
(5) - (7); just attempting to summarise other people's (no doubt excellent)
suggestions.
Valjean - 26 Oct 2004 03:03 GMT
Thank you; I wonder, still, if your flickering occurred whether the engine
is on or not. Mine only shows up when mine's running...
> I had flickering headlights and flickering dash illumination separately,
> about a year apart. So it is possible you have two problems, but not
[quoted text clipped - 29 lines]
> (5) - (7); just attempting to summarise other people's (no doubt excellent)
> suggestions.
SAABurger - 26 Oct 2004 18:21 GMT
Valjean,
I'm afraid that detail is lost in time. I simply can't recall.
Adrian
> Thank you; I wonder, still, if your flickering occurred whether the engine
> is on or not. Mine only shows up when mine's running...
[quoted text clipped - 40 lines]
> excellent)
> > suggestions.