In your 2000 Monte Carlo SS why do the dash lights work sometimes and not others?

Answer 1

I'd look at the headlight switch. I have looked into the headlight switch and that did not work, and I have checked the fuses and that did not work too. But when you wiggle some wire they come on, but then they go out again.. Well, I'm no mechanic, but I think you found your problem. Follow that wire and make sure both ends are properly connected. Also check for any spots where the insulation is worn off and may be shorting. Ok, do you know where the wiring runs, because I followed it until it got to the carpet and I stopped because I didn't want to rip my carpet up until I knew what I was looking for. I found the problem after taking my car completely apart. The headlight switch was actually bad, but only the part that controls the dash lights. It somehow got so hot it turned the plastic black, and it melted. Do you know what would have caused that? It is a simple matter of the potentiometer in the switch. It was probably set on the brightest setting and the extended current draw on the switch was what burned it out. They aren't designed to last forever. Especially when you start factoring in resistance in the circuit becomes greater over time with degradation of components including wiring, spliced connections and bulbs gain resistance over time.