Matrix Odometer/Clock lights issue
 

Hi, My father has a 2005 Matrix SE (which is a 1.6 GSI with a rear spoiler, privacy glass and DVD screens in the headrests, probably upgraded in the UK?). He's has it from new and its only done 7800 miles in 11 years. The LCD Odometer/Clock lights up ok when the cars lights are off, but when you turn the cars sidelights on, the clocks in the instrument cluster light up ok but the odometer/clock light goes out, so you cant see them in the dark. There is no dimmer switch on this model. Does anyone know what to check, to resolve this. The bulbs must be ok because without the cars lights on, the LCD/Clock illuminates ok.


Thanks is advance.

Fixed
 

I inherited the car and looked at it. By now the odometer back lights did not work at all. First I swapped the bulbs over with the ones behind the Speedo. The bulbs were fine. What I found was. If you look at the printed circuit at the end where the backlight bulbs are there are two black diodes, one next a quite big 4.7 ohm resistor (yellow, violet gold gold stripes) and another buy a zener diode (bright red). They are the only two black diodes at that end of the board. Replacing the diode near the 4 7 ohm resistor, the backlights worked with the ignition on and the lights off, but the backlight went out when the lights were turned on. Replacing the diode next to the zener diode the backlights correctly dims when the lights were turned on. So for a few pence I fixed the odometer not illuminating. I used in4001 diodes. Make sure you solder them the correct way round. There's a legend on the PCB but take a picture to remind you. I hope this is useful info for anyone with this issue.