Dash lights won't switch off

[fionamac4]

Had a wee search and couldn't find anything similar, also tried another couple of forums but nothing's hit the nail on the head yet :( Car is a 2001 ibiza 1.9tdi sport.

My dash lights (ones behind speedo etc, not warning lights) stay on 24/7, even with fuses removed. It was a bit of a novelty to start with but now the car is sitting on charge for the second time this week, considering it's only Tuesday I'm not seeing the funny side anymore. I would assume they are only LEDs so shouldn't be using enough power to drain the batt by themselves? But nothing else seems to be on (interior/exterior lights, radio, etc).

A friend suggested a dodgy earth connection but I would have thought that would stop them working rather than stop them turning off? Anyone got any suggestions before I have to get the push bike out while I rip my dash out?

[Waddellg]

Hi
Sounds like a short in the dashboard - did any water get anywhere near it recently? You will probably have to take the dash out I'm afraid - a Haynes manual should show you how and I'm sure the local scrappy or ebay can supply a replacement.

Before you do though you can test for the current dashboard circuit with a multimeter, the mutlimeter it should give you instructions on how to do this it could be the wires feeding into the dash...

[fionamac4]

Thanks for the suggestion but finally managed to get them off by taking the passenger side electric window switch out... No idea why the pair would be connected but it's worked as a short term fix anyway!

[Bim1985]

hi,
i have this problem on a passat b5.5 with the number plate lights stayin on too.

any suggestions?

[paddymac]

hi,
i have this problem on a passat b5.5 with the number plate lights stayin on too.

any suggestions?
I have the same issue in a mk4 1.8t gti,killing battery. Any help much appreciated

[Doctle Odd]

Is the floor wet? Check for water damage at CCM

[paddymac]

Is the floor wet? Check for water damage at CCM

No,all is good,I can get dash lights out with fuse but not console/electric windows /number plate lights out.

[Bim1985]

Hi,

when i I had the problem it was the connector in the arm rest for the cd changer. This has got caught in the hinge and was shorting out. Once I removed it and taped it up it was fine and has been since. Worth a try?

Also check the lights themselves I cleaned a lot of rust off mine. Maybe the cable have corroded slightly and are creating a short. When I was investigating mine a lot of people said the light switch itself can be at fault. If similar to b5.5 u can push it in and turn it and take it out.