J.Moos Posted September 22, 2003 Share Posted September 22, 2003 What would cause my lights in the control buttons on the dash to stop working? They were working on the trip home from Kentucky. I have a 1989 Reatta coupe with 81,000 miles on it. Mooscall Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyByNite Posted September 22, 2003 Share Posted September 22, 2003 Possibly the sun load sensor. I replaced mine and all the dash lights and dimmer work fine now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnelle Posted September 22, 2003 Share Posted September 22, 2003 On my 89 the worked intermittently for over a year. Sprayed cleaner in the dimmer switch, replaced the sun load sensor, finally replaced the headlight switch pod assembly. Nothing worked. On dark night several months ago they winked on then off then on again as they had done many times before and have worked correctly ever since. Go figure!!! I did threaten to sell the car because I had purchased two others and put a For Sale sign in the window. You might try that. I have not gotten any offers and have kind of changed my mind about selling, but I will not let it know for fear that it will act up again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 23, 2003 Share Posted September 23, 2003 I have found that the {Lights Off} Button controls the power to the Panel Lights. When it goes bad you can depress it in and out (without clicking off) and they will flicker or light. You can try to repair it. Or replace the entire Switch. The {Fog Lights} Button should illuminate them. If not it's probly the Sun Load Sensor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DougG Posted September 23, 2003 Share Posted September 23, 2003 My 89 Control lights go on and off as they wish also.Where is the sun load senser,and how difficult is the exchange?? Is this part available through Buick?? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyByNite Posted September 23, 2003 Share Posted September 23, 2003 It's under the two square grilled holes in the middle of the top of the dash. Not a difficult part swap, just be carefull not to crack the dash top when removing it. And yes it requires my favorite tool a T-15 Torx. I'll take a pic of my old one and post it so you know what it looks like. Mine came out of a junk yard Riviera. if you happen to have the windshield out it's a breeze. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest wally888 Posted September 23, 2003 Share Posted September 23, 2003 See instructions for 1989 Grille and Dash Pad removal at site below. Easy to break Grille and Dash Pad catches, many have! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DTerry Posted September 24, 2003 Share Posted September 24, 2003 Actually the one you want to replace is #4 in the diagram. The sun load sensor is an anticipator circuit for the air conditioner. When you get the grille off, it's the one that looks like a photocell - 'cause it is a photocell. Junkyards are full of them. There've been some horror stories about shattering the grille, but mine popped right off. Replaced the sensor and all lights have worked properly ever since: manual dim, auto dim, and illuminated entry (light show). <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redreattalady Posted May 4, 2004 Share Posted May 4, 2004 Would anyone be willing to give me detailed instructions on how to remove the dash in order to replace the photocell? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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