I just picked up a 98 Discovery 1 and it seems that none of the switches around the instrument cluster on either side are working. I've done a search and I found a thread where someone said to simply clean the switches, however it doesn't seem like they come apart without breaking. I also find it unlikely that all of the switches are bad and need to be cleaned...I picked up some switches from another Discovery at the junkyard to test them and they don't work either. Anyone have any ideas? Do they for sure just need to be cleaned or could there be another issue?

 

I'll be watching this thread with interest. I may have a similar issue. Truck's pulled apart right now and I only had it running for a dozen miles and wasn't focused on the interior but I think I only had one or 2 switches that seemed to do anything. IIRC, I think I ran across a thread indicating that a bulb, or wiring, in the rear seemed to trigger something like this. But not at all sure. Again, I'll be watching this with interest.

Good luck with the new truck.

 

Thanks. I've also seen something about a rear light having a effect. I do happen to have a rear bulb out - the socket was full of water so I just ordered a new one - I'll report back when I get the new light in and let you know if that has anything to do with it. I'd be surprised if it does...

 

Attached you will find a brief description of how to clean the switches. The most difficult part is separating the two halves.

 

Thank you for this - I'll give it a try this weekend and see if it works.

 

I fixed my rear bulb socket today and it had no effect on my dash switches, as I suspected...I'll give the cleaning a try this weekend and report back.

 

I dont think all of the switches are all dirty and that is the cause - it would seem logical there is a problem with the wiring loom behind the instrument cluster causing all of the switches to not be working

 

When I got mine home, little over five years ago now, nearly all of the switches (dash, window, seats, etc.) didn't function and the wee bulbs in them were burnt out.
Want to say that all the switches around the instrument panel (binnacle?) didn't work. Took them apart, cleaned contracts, and replaced bulbs.
Ended up doing this to all the switches in the truck along with replacing all the bulbs in the dash.
So yeah, it's possible.

 

I wanted to come back and provide an update after trying a few things. I tried cleaning two of the switches really well, and that didn't work. I was also able to get two factory new switches and try them, and they didn't work either. Again, all fuses are good. I do notice that the lights in the switches turn on when I turn the headlights on, so there is power to them...but I still don't know what the actual issue is. I have tested the accessories (rear window wiper, defroster etc. with a power probe to confirm that they are operational. I'm sort of stuck at this point - I don't want to take apart the dash, but it looks like I'll probably need to.

 

Another possibility is a dead "Multi Function Unit" under the dash or something as simple as some blown fuses.

The owners manual suggests "In the event of failure of any electrical system or component, always check fuses 12 and 13 in addition to the appropriate component fuse."

The next level is to start checking individual relays.

The Electrical Troubleshooting Manual is in the google drive in my signature.