Ducato Help with lights behind wooden dashbooard

[gregdoc138]

Hi all. Thank you very much for the privilege of letting me join your club..

 

[gregdoc138]

I have a 1996 fiat ducato motor home. It has a wooden dash but the lights behind dashboard do not work. Please can anyone tell me how to replace these please.

 

[Communicator]

I have a 1996 fiat ducato motor home. It has a wooden dash but the lights behind dashboard do not work. Please can anyone tell me how to replace these please.

Hi,
Welcome to the forum. Even if we are unable to help, it could still help others if you report the solution to the forum.

I used to own a 1990 Talbot Express based MH, and that had a moulded plastic dashboard. I am thinking that a wodden dashboard on a 1996 Ducato is not original. This leads to two other possibilities, either the wood is only wood effect overlays on the original plastic,, or the vehicle is an "A" class with the dashboard having been completely replaced, more usual would be a wooden top to the dash.
If the wood is only "wood effect" overlay and the lights to which you refer are on the instrument panel, then you will have to remove that for access.

Which lights are you referring to, warning lights for headlamp main beam, direction indicators, oil pressure, battery charging, etc., or lights to illuminate speedometer, fuel gauge etc.?

 

[gregdoc138]

Lights behind dashboard that illuminate heater controls etc

 

[gregdoc138]

Lights behind dashboard that illuminate heater controls

 

[Communicator]

Lights behind dashboard that illuminate heater controls

Your vehicle will be based on an x230 model Ducato. To confirm see first three numbers of VIN which will read ZFA230xxxxxx.
Access on my "facelifted" x244 model is from the top, with a screw hidden behind the ash tray. So remove radio, rario cver etc. However I believe others have gained sufficent access by removing LH lower dash panel.

Without a clear picture of the dashboard, I cannot make further suggestions.

 

[airwave]

Access on my "facelifted" x244 model is from the top, with a screw hidden behind the ash tray.

It's different on the 230 , @Communicator . You have to remove the lower dash , to be able to remove the radio heater panel . You also need to remove the upper switch panel to release the radio/heater panel . However i will add that this is more likely an inlaid wood dash , not solid , due to the shape , but yes it does mean removing the radio .

The process is actually quite easy , but be aware the lower dash is quite large though not heavy . This part is held in position by three screws , two at each end , and one in the middle . There are a couple of clips holding the lower panel to the upper dash , but frankly i can't help here as i discovered both of mine broken . Someone had already been in there , however , the design would suggest pulling the lower dash direct toward you to release , just do this carefully . Be very aware of the radio speaker which is also mounted at the far end of this panel , the wires will need removing for complete removal .
Now with that panel removed , remove the two screws holding the upper switch panel . By this i mean the panel that contains the hazard warning switch , you will need a small allen key to actually do this , and also the radio . Now examine the centre console lower section , which contains the radio . You will find two more screws , removal of these will release the heater/radio panel .

 

[gregdoc138]

Thank you.. very thorough explanation

 

[airwave]

very thorough explanation

Not as thorough as i would have liked , it's been some time since i removed mine , so i may have missed a screw somewhere . Another important fact is , that i am using a left hand drive Hymer as a base vehicle (same x230 mechanics under the skin) . That is the basics though , just take your time , and you should be fine . There is a plug on the hazard warning switch , that will only fit one way , so you will be fine there , but i would advise not trying to remove the switch itself first . They can be damaged if too much force is used , though they are still available . It's extremely difficult from the front anyway , far easier to push it from behind . Saves any damage !
Frankly though if you disconnect using the plug , you don't need to remove the switch .

One thing i did forget are the heater knobs , you need to remove them , plus the temperature selector end , they just pull off . Under the knobs you will probably find three small pieces of foam , and under these are some cross head screws (again three) . There are two bulb holders in the heater under panel , be careful how you remove them . Squeeze the two ends together , these holders are easily broken , and extremely difficult to source (I had to do just that , when i found one dangling on my light levelling switch) . Turns out they were also used on the Panda of the same era , I had to do some research after i found none listed for this particular duke . If i remember correctly , you should be able to replace the bulbs without touching the holders . Just handle everything with care , most of these parts range from difficult to impossible to source .

The bulbs are 5w capless .