New to MR2

superxenrique · 04-15-2009, 10:15 PM

I recently just purchased a 1989 MR2 NA. It runs wonderfully and I am already hooked on this little car. There are some problems with it though, that I plan to fix asap. If you could help me out with any of my problems, I would be greatly appreciative. First, the dash lights do not illuminate. Everything else in the dash works properly, but they simply do not illuminate. I'm thinking that this could be simply fixed with a new fuse. Is this likely? Next, there was some front end damage which caused the hood to not be aligned anymore and the headlights do not flip down. What should be my approach to fixing my hood and diagnosing the headlight issue? This will be my first time ever working on body and lighting issues on a car. I usually stick to just mechanical problems, but I feel compelled to make my new toy look as good as it possible can. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from all who can help.

-Eric-

masagsxr · 04-15-2009, 11:06 PM

Welcome aboard!!!

Yeah, first check the fuses. If thats good then take them off and check the bulbs. It sure is weird that it would blow when they usually last a lifetime. Hopefully no break on the wires or anything.

Enjoy the forum... Hope you meet some local mr2 owners around the area to hang out and exchange ideas/knowledge

Teado · 04-16-2009, 11:54 AM

I assume you have tried the dash light adjuster just to the left of the gauge's...? If the dial was turned down all the way, then there will be no light.

superxenrique · 04-16-2009, 12:01 PM

I did try the adjustment knob and nothing. It spins very freely (without much resistance at all). Could it be that it is simply not connected to anything and therefore is stuck in the off position. As for fuses, I will check all of those this weekend when I have some time. Does anyone have a fuse diagram? My repair manual that I ordered shouldn't be delivered until next week sometime.

Jackstand Queen · 04-16-2009, 12:54 PM

Not too many months ago, my instrument panel (IP) lights were quite dim. So, I disassembled the IP and put in fresh bulbs in the back of the panel. The bulbs are supposed to be covered in colored plastic, so the Yota dealer would be the place to get replacements.

My panel was just dim, whereas yours is totally dark. Could be your headlight switch is corroded or burned out? If corroded you could clean it up and fix it. The adjustment wheel should have a stop to it, and not spin freely on and on.
Also, there are electrical connectors in back of the IP, which might not have been plugged back in the last time the IP was removed. Hold off on pulling the IP, until you get the manual. Pulling it is a mind numbing piece of work. I liken it to a trip to the Dentist's office!!! Whee . . .. . .we're really having fun now!

muffinman · 04-19-2009, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superxenrique

Does anyone have a fuse diagram? My repair manual that I ordered shouldn't be delivered until next week sometime.

Here is the download for the Toyota BGB:Free File Hosting Made Simple - MediaFire

Parkins · 04-23-2009, 02:54 PM

i dont think i'm retarded... but i cant find the fuse diagram in the service manual... just wiring diagrams. I have 2 fuses missing from the box in the frunk and have no idea what they are for or which fuses go in there...
anyone have a fuse diagram?

muffinman · 04-23-2009, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parkins

anyone have a fuse diagram?

Your welcome

iceNine · 04-23-2009, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parkins

i dont think i'm retarded... but i cant find the fuse diagram in the service manual... just wiring diagrams. I have 2 fuses missing from the box in the frunk and have no idea what they are for or which fuses go in there...
anyone have a fuse diagram?

There is a separate sevice manual that contains all of the wiring diagrams (including some large fold-out pages) even though the BGB is usually adequate for most problems.

esreveRBackwards · 04-23-2009, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superxenrique

I recently just purchased a 1989 MR2 NA. It runs wonderfully and I am already hooked on this little car. There are some problems with it though, that I plan to fix asap. If you could help me out with any of my problems, I would be greatly appreciative. First, the dash lights do not illuminate. Everything else in the dash works properly, but they simply do not illuminate. I'm thinking that this could be simply fixed with a new fuse. Is this likely? Next, there was some front end damage which caused the hood to not be aligned anymore and the headlights do not flip down. What should be my approach to fixing my hood and diagnosing the headlight issue? This will be my first time ever working on body and lighting issues on a car. I usually stick to just mechanical problems, but I feel compelled to make my new toy look as good as it possible can. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from all who can help.

-Eric-

Eric - I had the same issue with my MR2. Its the light switch. 1st my dash lights would not turn on. Then my lights would not go down... and last but not least my lights would turn off at random... Replace the lightswitch and you will be all set.

mr2tim · 04-25-2009, 08:30 PM

Rbackwards is right on with the lights issue, with your reohstat spinning with no results also confirms this as the problem as they are one of the same. Careful with buying these online as they are often all defective (remember these guys lost WW2)

The cylindrical connection in the writing harness at the headlights is enginnered ass-backwards by our Japanease friends and may be the issue with your retraction problems.(they hold water when in the off position) I have owned 6 mr2's in 19 years and have never, ever had a relay problem.

superxenrique · 05-01-2009, 12:42 AM

Thanks esreveRBackwards and mr2tim!! A lightswitch...hmm. Where is that located on the MR2 and where can I get a replacement? Is it a difficult fix? I have never had to do any electrical work on a car, so this is all new to me.

fatacon · 05-01-2009, 04:44 AM

the light control switch/rheostat is located on the left side of the instrument panel (aka the knob you tilt up to turn on your headlights). upon removing this dash panel you see the switch connected to the wiring harness via a white connector. unfortunately i am also having the same problem with my instrument panel lights and have posted in a similar topic on the forum (specific to panel lights). turns out one of the pins inside the connector is burned out and melted part of the plastic portion. either i'll have to order a new switch and harness or find the connectors and fix it myself. good luck, and if i figure anything out from either my own experiences or in the other topic i will update you.

muffinman · 05-01-2009, 10:13 AM

it's very easy to change the light switch you shouldn't have any problems.

superxenrique · 05-06-2009, 10:47 AM

Thanks for all of the help everyone. I took apart the dash yesterday to diagnose the problem better. It turns out that the where the little black wheel (I'm pretty sure it is the dimmer for the instrument panel lights) connects to the light switch is cracked therefore it does not turn the light switch and therefore the lights must be stuck in the off position. I am going to try to jerry-rig something and I hope it works.

superxenrique · 05-07-2009, 11:51 PM

So, unluckily I tried to fix the switch. I tried to rotate the small metal bar that appears to be controlled by the black wheel. It did nothing. Does this mean that my entire dimmer switch is dead? My headlights work, but the dash lights do not. Could there be another solution that I am not thinking of?

muffinman · 05-08-2009, 10:41 AM

sounds like your gonna need a switch.

superxenrique · 05-08-2009, 10:44 AM

Really... Why would the headlights work, but the instrument panel not?

muffinman · 05-08-2009, 10:46 AM

the interior lights all work off of that dimmer but the headlights don't. Do all your parking lights work?

superxenrique · 05-08-2009, 11:10 AM

All of my parking lights do work. I'm just confused about why, even though the headlights and dimmer are on the same switch, one works and not the other.

Well... I ordered a light switch over ebay. I can't wait to get it in so I can see if this is the fix that I needed so I can move onto the next problem.

04-15-2009, 10:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
superxenrique Some Skills Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Richmond, CA Posts: 56 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	New to MR2 I recently just purchased a 1989 MR2 NA. It runs wonderfully and I am already hooked on this little car. There are some problems with it though, that I plan to fix asap. If you could help me out with any of my problems, I would be greatly appreciative. First, the dash lights do not illuminate. Everything else in the dash works properly, but they simply do not illuminate. I'm thinking that this could be simply fixed with a new fuse. Is this likely? Next, there was some front end damage which caused the hood to not be aligned anymore and the headlights do not flip down. What should be my approach to fixing my hood and diagnosing the headlight issue? This will be my first time ever working on body and lighting issues on a car. I usually stick to just mechanical problems, but I feel compelled to make my new toy look as good as it possible can. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from all who can help. -Eric-

05-08-2009, 11:10 AM	#20 (permalink)
superxenrique Some Skills Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Richmond, CA Posts: 56 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	All of my parking lights do work. I'm just confused about why, even though the headlights and dimmer are on the same switch, one works and not the other. Well... I ordered a light switch over ebay. I can't wait to get it in so I can see if this is the fix that I needed so I can move onto the next problem. Last edited by superxenrique; 05-14-2009 at 12:59 PM..

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04-15-2009, 11:06 PM	#2 (permalink)
masagsxr Cage Fighter Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Norwalk, CA Posts: 3,534 Thanks: 1 Thanked 81 Times in 81 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	Welcome aboard!!! Yeah, first check the fuses. If thats good then take them off and check the bulbs. It sure is weird that it would blow when they usually last a lifetime. Hopefully no break on the wires or anything. Enjoy the forum... Hope you meet some local mr2 owners around the area to hang out and exchange ideas/knowledge

04-16-2009, 11:54 AM	#3 (permalink)
Teado MK1 = My Daily Addiction Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 272 Thanks: 11 Thanked 9 Times in 8 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	I assume you have tried the dash light adjuster just to the left of the gauge's...? If the dial was turned down all the way, then there will be no light.

04-16-2009, 12:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
superxenrique Some Skills Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Richmond, CA Posts: 56 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	I did try the adjustment knob and nothing. It spins very freely (without much resistance at all). Could it be that it is simply not connected to anything and therefore is stuck in the off position. As for fuses, I will check all of those this weekend when I have some time. Does anyone have a fuse diagram? My repair manual that I ordered shouldn't be delivered until next week sometime.

04-16-2009, 12:54 PM	#5 (permalink)
Jackstand Queen Cage Fighter Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 840 Thanks: 75 Thanked 64 Times in 60 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	Not too many months ago, my instrument panel (IP) lights were quite dim. So, I disassembled the IP and put in fresh bulbs in the back of the panel. The bulbs are supposed to be covered in colored plastic, so the Yota dealer would be the place to get replacements. My panel was just dim, whereas yours is totally dark. Could be your headlight switch is corroded or burned out? If corroded you could clean it up and fix it. The adjustment wheel should have a stop to it, and not spin freely on and on. Also, there are electrical connectors in back of the IP, which might not have been plugged back in the last time the IP was removed. Hold off on pulling the IP, until you get the manual. Pulling it is a mind numbing piece of work. I liken it to a trip to the Dentist's office!!! Whee . . .. . .we're really having fun now!

04-23-2009, 02:54 PM	#7 (permalink)
Parkins No Skills Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 38 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post My Google Map iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	i dont think i'm retarded... but i cant find the fuse diagram in the service manual... just wiring diagrams. I have 2 fuses missing from the box in the frunk and have no idea what they are for or which fuses go in there... anyone have a fuse diagram?

04-25-2009, 08:30 PM	#11 (permalink)
mr2tim SUPERcharZed ToyZ RacZer Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,789 Thanks: 8 Thanked 118 Times in 111 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (6/100% )	Rbackwards is right on with the lights issue, with your reohstat spinning with no results also confirms this as the problem as they are one of the same. Careful with buying these online as they are often all defective (remember these guys lost WW2) The cylindrical connection in the writing harness at the headlights is enginnered ass-backwards by our Japanease friends and may be the issue with your retraction problems.(they hold water when in the off position) I have owned 6 mr2's in 19 years and have never, ever had a relay problem.

05-01-2009, 12:42 AM	#12 (permalink)
superxenrique Some Skills Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Richmond, CA Posts: 56 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Thanks esreveRBackwards and mr2tim!! A lightswitch...hmm. Where is that located on the MR2 and where can I get a replacement? Is it a difficult fix? I have never had to do any electrical work on a car, so this is all new to me.

05-01-2009, 04:44 AM	#13 (permalink)
fatacon No Skills Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	the light control switch/rheostat is located on the left side of the instrument panel (aka the knob you tilt up to turn on your headlights). upon removing this dash panel you see the switch connected to the wiring harness via a white connector. unfortunately i am also having the same problem with my instrument panel lights and have posted in a similar topic on the forum (specific to panel lights). turns out one of the pins inside the connector is burned out and melted part of the plastic portion. either i'll have to order a new switch and harness or find the connectors and fix it myself. good luck, and if i figure anything out from either my own experiences or in the other topic i will update you.

05-01-2009, 10:13 AM	#14 (permalink)
muffinman U-P-G-R-A-Y-E-D-D Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sunny South Florida Posts: 5,881 Thanks: 53 Thanked 283 Times in 272 Posts Blog Entries: 1 My Google Map iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	it's very easy to change the light switch you shouldn't have any problems.

05-06-2009, 10:47 AM	#15 (permalink)
superxenrique Some Skills Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Richmond, CA Posts: 56 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Thanks for all of the help everyone. I took apart the dash yesterday to diagnose the problem better. It turns out that the where the little black wheel (I'm pretty sure it is the dimmer for the instrument panel lights) connects to the light switch is cracked therefore it does not turn the light switch and therefore the lights must be stuck in the off position. I am going to try to jerry-rig something and I hope it works.

05-07-2009, 11:51 PM	#16 (permalink)
superxenrique Some Skills Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Richmond, CA Posts: 56 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	So, unluckily I tried to fix the switch. I tried to rotate the small metal bar that appears to be controlled by the black wheel. It did nothing. Does this mean that my entire dimmer switch is dead? My headlights work, but the dash lights do not. Could there be another solution that I am not thinking of?

05-08-2009, 10:41 AM	#17 (permalink)
muffinman U-P-G-R-A-Y-E-D-D Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sunny South Florida Posts: 5,881 Thanks: 53 Thanked 283 Times in 272 Posts Blog Entries: 1 My Google Map iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	sounds like your gonna need a switch.

05-08-2009, 10:44 AM	#18 (permalink)
superxenrique Some Skills Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Richmond, CA Posts: 56 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Really... Why would the headlights work, but the instrument panel not?

05-08-2009, 10:46 AM	#19 (permalink)
muffinman U-P-G-R-A-Y-E-D-D Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sunny South Florida Posts: 5,881 Thanks: 53 Thanked 283 Times in 272 Posts Blog Entries: 1 My Google Map iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	the interior lights all work off of that dimmer but the headlights don't. Do all your parking lights work?