Honda Accord (1990 - 2002) Includes 1997 - 1999 Acura CL

[97 Accord] Dashboard Light flickering

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Old Jun 27, 2009 | 10:37 PM
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Icon2 [97 Accord] Dashboard Light flickering

Hi,

on my 97 Accord the dashboard light started to flicker. It's not just the background light of the speedometer, but also the rest of the background lights (behind the fan speed switch etc.).

Usually, a good whack takes care of the problem, but after a while it starts flickering again. It usually happens when I change lanes (those lane dividers with bumps).

Any idea what causes this and how to fix it?

Thank You
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Old Jun 28, 2009 | 10:24 AM
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Default Re: [97 Accord] Dashboard Light flickering

if it were me, i'd probably remove the cluster to make sure there arent any loose connections.
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Old Jun 29, 2009 | 08:24 PM
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Default Re: [97 Accord] Dashboard Light flickering

Originally Posted by alkoholikwun
if it were me, i'd probably remove the cluster to make sure there arent any loose connections.
ok, how do I do that? Because the light totally crept out on me. Even a hard whack on the dashboard only bring it back briefly.
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Old Jun 29, 2009 | 09:13 PM
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Default Re: [97 Accord] Dashboard Light flickering

haynes manual tell the step by step procedure.

but pretty much, there are 2 philips screws (sometimes 4) in the upper portion of the cluster, remove the two screws then the plastic cover comes off, then there will be 1 phillips screw on each side of the cluster, sometimes there will also be 2 philips that hold the bottom of the cluster, remove all philip screws, then the cluster will be removable.
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Old Jun 29, 2009 | 09:16 PM
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Default Re: [97 Accord] Dashboard Light flickering

that happened to my friends accord, then one day they stopped working, and he wiggle some wires and it worked again, now it doesnt work at all, and i still havent been able to trace it down...

the light where it says the milage works, but none of the other lights on the cluster or the dash
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Old Jun 30, 2009 | 02:29 PM
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Default Re: [97 Accord] Dashboard Light flickering

Originally Posted by alkoholikwun
haynes manual tell the step by step procedure.

but pretty much, there are 2 philips screws (sometimes 4) in the upper portion of the cluster, remove the two screws then the plastic cover comes off, then there will be 1 phillips screw on each side of the cluster, sometimes there will also be 2 philips that hold the bottom of the cluster, remove all philip screws, then the cluster will be removable.
So you didn't have to remove the climate control and stereo etc?

I came across this guide:
http://www.ledautomotive.com/HowToGu...ntrolHowTo.asp

and they tell you to do the following steps first:
http://www.ledautomotive.com/HowToGu...usterHowTo.asp
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Old Jun 30, 2009 | 02:30 PM
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Default Re: [97 Accord] Dashboard Light flickering

Dimmer switch possibly. Without it plugged in it takes out the whole dash lighting system
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Old Jun 30, 2009 | 07:22 PM
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Default Re: [97 Accord] Dashboard Light flickering

the dimmer switch is inside the guage cluster
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Old Jun 30, 2009 | 07:32 PM
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Default Re: [97 Accord] Dashboard Light flickering

No, I'm referring to the actual dimmer switch control box that is to the left of the steering wheel. Unplug it and all those lights go out.
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Old Jul 19, 2009 | 10:25 AM
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Default Re: [97 Accord] Dashboard Light flickering

Actually, I think this might be the problem. The flickering started when I messed around with the dimmer (turned the dimmer all the way down). Now, a slight tapping on the dimmer switch turns the light back on.

Can I just open the dimmer switch box with a screw driver?
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Old Jul 19, 2009 | 10:42 AM
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Default Re: [97 Accord] Dashboard Light flickering

Personally I'd just buy one from a junkyard for $2 haha.

I'd assume it's held together with plastic clips along the side.
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Old Oct 22, 2009 | 08:24 PM
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Default Re: [97 Accord] Dashboard Light flickering

Originally Posted by TheMuffinMan
No, I'm referring to the actual dimmer switch control box that is to the left of the steering wheel. Unplug it and all those lights go out.
I finally bought a new switch. Super easy to install, took 1 minute to do. Everything is working fine again

Thank You
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Old Oct 22, 2009 | 08:50 PM
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Default Re: [97 Accord] Dashboard Light flickering

The Muffin Man saves the day!
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Old Oct 22, 2009 | 08:58 PM
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Default Re: [97 Accord] Dashboard Light flickering

Originally Posted by alkoholikwun
haynes manual tell the step by step procedure.

but pretty much, there are 2 philips screws (sometimes 4) in the upper portion of the cluster, remove the two screws then the plastic cover comes off, then there will be 1 phillips screw on each side of the cluster, sometimes there will also be 2 philips that hold the bottom of the cluster, remove all philip screws, then the cluster will be removable.
do you own a 94-97 accord?
its actually alot harder then other cars

you have to start in the center console inside the armrest, remove the cup holders, remove the dash around the shifter/radio/climate control...there are 2 screws connecting center to baclk trim remove them....remove other screws behind dimmer switch, etc then remove trim and hit the 4 screws on the cluster
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Old Oct 23, 2009 | 05:21 AM
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Default Re: [97 Accord] Dashboard Light flickering

Originally Posted by tom48
I finally bought a new switch. Super easy to install, took 1 minute to do. Everything is working fine again

Thank You


Glad that did the trick
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