Inside gauge lights gradually dim.

sdny

I have a 95 camry that the inside gauge lights gradually dim until they are all out. If the lights are off for about an hour they will come on bright and gradually dim again. What could be wrong.

PF_Flyer

Electrical gremlins are always tricky to pin down. Your lights dimming could be a sign that your alternator is going south.

sdny

it is just the inside gauge lights, btw i have new battery

sdny

also the headlights are normal

thecardoc3

The power for the dash lamps comes from the 15amp oparking light fuse. If the parking lamps are "normal" while the problem is occurring, then testing should start at the dimmer (rheostat) and ground circuit (G200) in the Left Hand kick panel.

sdny

I will check to see if the parking lights are normal when this happens. Thanks

sdny

checked the parking lights they are working fine when this happens

thecardoc3

Then you have your starting point with the dimmer and the instrument panel ground. Get a schematic, and be ready to test when you make the problem occur again. Remember that all of the testing should be done while the issue is present.

sdny

strange thing happened tonight, the lights were going on and off-hey would stay on for about 5 minutes then go off then repeat.

thecardoc3

Just the dash lights, not the parking lights, right?

sdny

right just the dash lights

thecardoc3

Then the problem is just in the dash light circuit, which includes the dimmer rheostat. Do you have a schematic available and do you know how to do voltage drop testing?

sdny

no i don't have a schematic nor do i know how to do voltage drop testing