QuestionI lost my keys and had new ones sent from the dealer. They did not work well and I found my originals soon after. Shortly after that the dash lights and tail lights would go off when the head lights were switched on. They all worked when the parking lights were on but went off when switched all the way to head lights. For a while i could turn the switch partially on and everything would work. Could this be an ignition issue or a short in the light switch? If so, how do i take the switch apart to look for a short? Also the cruise contrl does not work. In addition the heater now blows warm for 5 minutes and then cold, temp gauge on the dash reads normal. I had the thermostat replaced last summer after it overheated.
AnswerAddendum: perform a coolant flush to see if any blockage (air or 'gunk') can be freed up - especially within the matrix.
Hi Kevin.
There are several issues here. IF the dealer keys (the replacements) were not cut properly, they would not have worked from the very start. What you may have experienced is a short somewhere in the wiring to your headlamps. It could very well be the switch. You will have to trace down and test the headlamps, wires, daytime running light (DLR) (if installed) and finally the switch.
I've seen dashlights fail before due to electrical shorts. Since you mention that some play in the ignition switch seemed to help, perhaps the problem is within the DRL that activates. Do you have this feature?
As for the cruise control, it could be vacuum failure, sensor or switch related. Even the brake pedal switch plays a role in this.
As for the heater blowing cool air after a few minutes, it may be your heater matrix that has failed. IF so, this requires a LR specialist to remove, test and replace. I doubt they can remove the matrix without taking the dash apart (behind radio and pass. air bag). A sensitive area.
Send me an email and I'll reply with a diagram on how to open up your light switch.
Regards,
JohnMc
jmcinnis64@hotmail.com
