Shift lever light not working... plus other probs!

[CleptaK]

Hello everyone, this is my first post on a forum ever, so bare with me!

I have an 07 Jazz (VTi-S) which had its 30,000kms service and some repair work to the rear bumper completed yesterday. I just hopped into the car to go out and I noticed the lights around the shift lever are not working. The stereo seemed to have a mind of it's own too - the volume went up and down without me touching the knob. The car was stationary so it couldn't be caused by hitting a bump in the road. All other lights and functions (indicator, etc) seem to be ok.

So, unless my Jazz is possessed, I'm guessing it's a problem with the battery?! If not, do you have any other suggestions? Is it safe to drive? I've canned my plans for tonight in case it's not! I'll give the mechanic a call on Monday.

I'd really appreciate any comments or advice,

Many thanks - hoo-roo!
CleptaK

[rossw]

Hello everyone, this is my first post on a forum ever, so bare with me!

I have an 07 Jazz (VTi-S) which had its 30,000kms service and some repair work to the rear bumper completed yesterday. I just hopped into the car to go out and I noticed the lights around the shift lever are not working. The stereo seemed to have a mind of it's own too - the volume went up and down without me touching the knob. The car was stationary so it couldn't be caused by hitting a bump in the road. All other lights and functions (indicator, etc) seem to be ok.

So, unless my Jazz is possessed, I'm guessing it's a problem with the battery?! If not, do you have any other suggestions? Is it safe to drive? I've canned my plans for tonight in case it's not! I'll give the mechanic a call on Monday.

I'd really appreciate any comments or advice,

Many thanks - hoo-roo!
CleptaK

Check under the dashboard for loose plugs. Have you installed anything new or carried anything in your front passenger footwell lately?

[CleptaK]

Hi RossW, thanks for your reply! I've checked for loose plugs but couldn't see anything. And I haven't installed anything new, or carried an item in the footwell.

Thinking about it, this isn't the first time I've had problems with the lights in the Jazz. The dash lights go bright and then dim without me changing it and this also happens when the car is stationary.

I've phoned the dealer and they'll have a look on Friday. Hopefully it'll be covered by the warranty!

Thanks again, CleptaK

[rossw]

Hi RossW, thanks for your reply! I've checked for loose plugs but couldn't see anything. And I haven't installed anything new, or carried an item in the footwell.

Thinking about it, this isn't the first time I've had problems with the lights in the Jazz. The dash lights go bright and then dim without me changing it and this also happens when the car is stationary.

I've phoned the dealer and they'll have a look on Friday. Hopefully it'll be covered by the warranty!

Thanks again, CleptaK

No probs.

The Jazz has a thing called Multiplex Integrated Control System (MICS) that replaces a lot of the relays and wires that would otherwise be needed. Essentially all the controls are inputs, and all the functions are outputs.

This means that all sorts of cleverness can be built in without changing the wiring.

In USDM models, putting the car in reverse when the windscreen wipers are going operates the rear wiper as well. This is just a line in the software and no extra wiring is required. If someone ever worked out how to alter the firmware in the MICS there would be endless customisation possibilities.

In your case, either one of the input devices or its wiring is faulty and giving false signals to the MICS, or the MICS itself is faulty. It could be a dry solder joint or a broken earth.

The dealer has a diagnostic device they can plug into the MICS and hopefully it will tell them what is wrong.

[CleptaK]

Thanks for the info - I'll pass that onto the mechanic. Hopefully it'll be a quick fix - I bought a new car in the hope these headaches wouldn't happen, well, not for five years at least! Hoo-roo!