What can cause a dim (very) radio and clock

[stu9]

On an 03 C5....it's the lights on the upper dash, infact the heater, speedo ect are all dim, I did use the button at the speedo but does dam all, well it works yes, but still far to dim, they're all the proper wattage ect, is there maybe a bad earth, if so where's the best place to check

PS...the battery's fine as is the charging from the alt....same problem with the headlights too, as in crap!, really bad...I can drive with the high beam at night and not get flashed, not once!....and yes they're aligned, I had them checked during the week

[spider]

Examine main earth lead from battery to transmission and / or to body. Its essential there is a good earth at both engine/gearbox / battery terminal / bodywork.

[stu9]

Will check there....if it's not that, what else can it be

[spider]

The headlight was the clue really although I'd expect more problems. It does sound like resistance in a cable causing a voltage drop. Could be positive cable but that would probably really upset the BSi.

[stu9]

Ok, everything else is fine though

[spider]

Could well be two problems. A dash earth lead and the headlight earthing.

[Peter.N.]

Check the voltage across the battery with the engine running, should be about 14.4 volts, then check forom the battery + to earth should be the same, if not you either have a low charge rate or a poor connection somewhere, probably an earth as Andy suggests.

Peter

[stu9]

Will do thanks