If you’re driving and all of a sudden the dashboard lights go off, it can be a pretty scary experience. You have no idea what’s going on, and you start to worry that you might be in trouble.

In this article, we will discuss the most common reasons why the dashboard lights go off while the car is on and also ways to fix it when it happens. By understanding what causes this issue, you’ll be better prepared to deal with it if it happens to you. Stay safe out there!

Causes of Dash Lights Going off

Dash lights going off can be caused by a variety of different things, such as:

1. Electrical Problems:

If there is a problem with the electrical system in your car, it can cause the dash lights to go off. This could be something as simple as a blown fuse or a loose wire or even an overloaded electrical system.

An overloaded electrical system is often caused by aftermarket accessories or modifications. This can strain your vehicle’s electrical components and lead to your dashboard issues. I would suggest you insist that your vehicle’s electrical system is not overloaded when you are doing any aftermarket modification, or you can also make sure your electrical system is properly designed to accommodate any additional accessories.

The electrical system in your car plays a very significant role in keeping everything running, so if there is an issue with it, it can cause a lot of problems. Newer model cars especially rely on computers to run a lot of the systems in the car. If there is an issue with the computer, it can cause the dash lights to go off.

2. Bad Connection:

If there is a bad connection somewhere in the electrical system, it can also cause the dash lights to go off. This is usually caused by a loose wire or a corroded connection.

Most times, loose wires are caused as a result of shaking from driving on a rough road, and corroded wires are mostly caused by exposure to the elements. It is important to check your wire connections whenever you take your car for maintenance to ensure your car is in peak condition.

3. Battery Problems:

Another common cause of dash lights going off is a battery that is not functioning properly. This is because the battery provides power to all of the electrical components in your car.

If the battery is not providing enough power to the electrical system, it can cause the dash lights to go off. This usually happens when the battery is old or has been damaged in some way or when the battery starts to run low.

Similarly, a malfunctioning alternator may not be charging the battery properly, causing intermittent electrical issues. The alternator is what charges the battery in your car while you’re driving. If there is a problem with the alternator, it can cause the battery to run low and eventually die.

This would then cause the dash lights to go off. Alternators are very sensitive and can be easily damaged, so if you think there might be a problem with yours, have your battery and alternator tested by a mechanic to ensure they are in good working condition.

4. Dimmer Switch Malfunction:

Most vehicles are equipped with a dimmer switch that allows you to adjust the brightness of your dashboard lights. If this switch malfunctions, it can cause the lights to go off or become too dim. Test the dimmer switch by adjusting the brightness and see if it affects the dashboard lights. If it does, the switch may need to be repaired or replaced.

A while back whilst I was driving, I noticed that my dashboard lights weren’t as bright as they used to be, but I thought my eyes were deceiving me. I was driving one fine Saturday evening and boom my dashboard lights were off and immediately knew there was a problem with my dimmer switch. I went back home and had it fixed immediately. I will suggest you take your car to a qualified auto mechanic to have it checked out if you are not an expert.

5. Sensor issues:

Again, sensor issues can cause dash lights to go off whilst driving. There are sensors all over your car that help to keep track of different things like tire pressure, engine temperature, and oil level.

If one or more of these sensors isn’t working properly, it can cause the dash lights to go off. This is because the sensors are what tell the computer what’s going on with the different systems in your car.

These are just some of the most common reasons why the dash lights might go off while you’re driving. If this happens to you, don’t panic! There are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem.

6. Sensor issues:

Finally, most modern vehicles are equipped with complex computer systems that control various functions, including dashboard lights. Software glitches or issues with the vehicle’s computer system can lead to dashboard light problems. If you are using modern vehicle and you are having a having a problem I would recommend you update or reprogramme your vehicle’s computer system to address these issues.

Ways to fix the problem

1. Check dashboard lights

First and foremost, check to see if all of the lights on your dashboard are off or if only some of them are. If only some of them are off, there is likely an issue with a particular system in your car and not with the electrical system as a whole.

To fix a particular system, you’ll need to check the owner’s manual for your car to locate the exact system. It will have a list of all of the different systems in your car and what each light on the dashboard represents.

2. Check fuses

If all of the lights on your dashboard are off, the first thing you should do is check the fuses. Fuses are designed to protect the electrical system in your car from being overloaded.

If a fuse blows, it will cause the circuit it’s protecting to be interrupted, and the dash lights will go off.

To check the fuses, you’ll need to locate the fuse box. It’s usually located under the hood of your car, but it might also be located in the trunk or on the side of the dash. Once you’ve found it, open it up and take a look at the fuses inside.

If you see one that’s blown, replace it with a new one of the same amperage. If you’re not sure which fuse is blown, you can use a multimeter to test them.

3. Check the battery

If the problem is with the battery, there are a few things you can do to try and fix it. First, clean the terminal connections.

This will help to ensure that there is a good connection between the battery and the electrical system. To clean the battery terminals, simply disconnect them and then clean them with a wire brush.

Once you’ve cleaned the terminals, try starting the car again. If the dash lights still don’t come on, it’s likely that the battery is dead and will need to be replaced.

4. Check the alternator

If the problem is with the alternator, the first thing you should do is take your car to a mechanic and have them check it out. Alternators are very sensitive and can be easily damaged, so it’s best to leave it to a professional.

5. Check the sensors

Finally, if the problem is with the sensors, you’ll need to take your car to a mechanic and have them check it out. There are a lot of different sensors in your car, and they can be very delicate, so it’s best to leave it to a professional.

Final Thought

Dashboard lights going off while driving can be a very scary experience. But by following the steps above, you can try to fix the problem and get back on the road. Just remember to drive safely!

FAQ’s

What does it mean if your car radio and dashboard controls stop working/turn off while driving down the highway?

There are a few different things that could cause this to happen. It could be an issue with the battery, the alternator, or a sensor. If you’re not sure what’s causing the problem, it’s best to take your car to a mechanic and have them check it out.

What would cause all the lights on my car’s dashboard to come on and then go off again?

This could be caused by a problem with the electrical system or a sensor. If you’re not sure what’s causing the problem, it’s best to take your car to a mechanic and have them check it out.

What should I do if my car’s dashboard lights won’t turn on at all?