instrument light ground

[cal928]

I have a 78 & 79 cars. The 78 has had an issue that All the light on the instrument pod (including switches) are very dim. I originally thougt they were burned out, but when I started removing the switch caps I could see they were light, just so dim they could bearly be seen, the same for the lights in the center console.
Where is the ground connection on these early cars???
(I have checked fuses, relays, etc in the passenger foot well and all is ok there)

[JK McDonald]

Hey Cal928, Have you checked the actual output voltage at the the instrument light variable rheostat ? Some 928 owners have found that this voltage source is the actual problem rather than a ground issue. A quick test would be to temporarily jumper across the input and output of the rheostat to see if your instrument/console lights will brighten sufficiently.

There are several step by step troubleshooting write-ups on this site with recommended tests and optional bulb upgrades. Often the earliest model 928's must set their rheostats to the brightest position or even permanently bypassed to provide a reasonably acceptable brightness for night driving.

Good Luck, Michael

[MPDano]

Ask and ye shall receive. Scroll down to the middle, read then watch the video at the end.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-928-technical-forum/583848-900-1983-us-928s-latest-leo928s-24.html

[cal928]

great set of photos. it will be easy now to check the grouping of ground wires........I already jumpered the rheostat and actually removed it from the circuit
I will post after cleaning the connection....big time thanks

[JhwShark]

On the Pod lights that use the reflectors to illuminate the instruments, these reflectors degrade over time (the reflection silver plastic lens). There is a thread I read a few years ago on a fix...need to take out the reflectors and refresh coating or something...touchy plastic work.

Not sure if there is a method to improve the three lights, maybe an LED workaround??